Tom Pidcock rues missed Tour stage chance after GC gains in Stage 13

Tom Pidcock admitted mixed emotions after finishing just short of a Tour de France stage win on Stage 13, though he salvaged time gains in the general classification.

What happened on Stage 13?

Pidcock chased a stage victory on Stage 13 of the 2026 Tour de France but fell agonisingly short, crossing the line behind the winner. He conceded the result stung but praised his Ineos Grenadiers teammates for their relentless effort. The British rider also acknowledged he’d lose significant time in the upcoming time trial, framing the day as a trade-off between pride and progress.

Pidcock’s squad controlled the breakaway attempts, setting a relentless pace that split the peloton and allowed him to bank time in the GC. Their cohesion paid dividends, even if the stage win slipped through his fingers. He described the effort as a collective push to earn respect from rivals and fans alike.

Why it matters for Tom Pidcock

The near-miss exposed both Pidcock’s attacking instincts and the tactical tightrope he walks in this Tour. His admission that the time trial will cost him time underscores the uphill battle ahead in the GC. Yet his focus remained fixed on the bigger picture: grinding out every second possible while keeping his squad’s morale sky-high.

Pidcock’s GC gains matter because they shift his Tour ambitions from stage hunting to podium contention. The time trial looms as a make-or-break moment, but his current form suggests he’s still a threat to climb higher. Rivals will take note of his resilience, even in disappointment.

What comes next for Pidcock?

The race now tilts toward GC days, where Pidcock vowed to attack every climb and time check. His team’s hard-man ethos will be tested again, but he insists the squad’s work rate speaks for itself. The time trial awaits, and Pidcock knows he can’t afford to cede ground there.

He framed the remainder of the Tour as a chance to repay his teammates’ faith. With GC battles heating up, Pidcock’s next moves could redefine his role in this race-whether as a stage hunter or a podium challenger.

Pidcock’s own words on the day

Speaking after the stage, Pidcock said: *“There are a lot of positives to take from today, yet I’m also here to win a stage and it didn’t happen today. It was close, but no cigar. It’s just good to be racing.”*

He praised his team’s effort, adding: *“As a team, we did an amazing job. I am very pleased with the boys. They worked really hard.”* Pidcock also acknowledged the time trial’s looming threat, vowing to keep pushing forward regardless.