When it comes to pre-season training, most cyclists stick to the tried-and-true destinations like Tenerife or Mallorca. But Tom Pidcock is breaking the mold this year, and it’s raising eyebrows. Instead of the usual haunts, Pidcock and his Pinarello-Q36.5 teammates are packing their bags for Chile—a bold move that’s got everyone talking. But why Chile? And what makes this decision so intriguing? Let’s dive in.
This month, seven riders from the team, including British stars Tom Pidcock, Fred Wright, and Tom Gloag, will trade European winters for the South American sun. Joining them are Belgian riders Brent Van Moer, Xandro Meurisse, and Quinten Hermans, along with Swiss cyclist Fabio Christen. Their mission? A nearly month-long altitude training camp in the mountains of northern Chile, where January brings sunny, dry days and temperatures hovering between 20-30°C—perfect conditions for intense preparation.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Why abandon the familiar for the unknown? According to Bogaerts, Pidcock’s long-term coach, it’s all about the climate and the need for a fresh perspective. “The weather is beautiful, and it’s a new environment,” he explained. But there’s more to it. Tenerife, a longtime favorite, was ruled out because, as Bogaerts put it, “most riders have already seen Mount Teide from every angle. Cycling up the same climb repeatedly can be mentally exhausting.” Fair point—but does this mean traditional training grounds are losing their appeal? And this is the part most people miss: sometimes, training isn’t just about physical performance; it’s about keeping the joy in the sport. “We’ve been pushing for high-level performance all season,” Bogaerts added. “But we forget it also has to be fun. That’s why I’m thrilled the riders are excited about this camp.”
Tom Pidcock was the driving force behind this decision. “He was the first to raise his hand,” Bogaerts revealed. “He even pushed me harder to make it happen.” Pidcock’s enthusiasm is infectious, but it also raises a question: Are cyclists like Pidcock reshaping how we think about pre-season training? Is the future of cycling preparation about seeking new challenges over old comforts?
As the team gears up for the 2026 road campaign, Chile’s mountains will be their testing ground. But the real question is: Will this unconventional choice pay off? And more importantly, will other teams follow suit? Let us know what you think in the comments—is Pidcock onto something, or is this just a one-off adventure? The debate is open!
