Despite currently having the most XC MTB wins amongst active elite riders, along with a win in 2023’s Strade Bianche, Tom Pidcock admitted that he came into the UCI Gravel Worlds with little experience of gravel racing and even less knowledge of the course.

“I feel very unprepared personally for today. I mean, it’s the first time I’ve ridden the race bike and it’s also my first ever gravel race,” Pidcock admitted.

Tom Pidcock Pinarello Dogma F GR Gravel Bike-01
Tom Pidcock Pinarello Dogma F GR Gravel Bike-01 (Image Credit: Liam Cahill)

“I don’t even know what pressures to run,” he joked, before clarifying that he and his mechanics did have a rough idea. 

It’s not like Pidcock has had much free time since in a packed late-season racing schedule. He made the trip from Italy, where he finished 6th in Il Lombardia, yesterday afternoon. When asked whether he chose Ryainair, EasyJet, or private jet, the 26-year-old laughed and responded with a single word. “Teleportation.”

Tom Pidcock Pinarello Dogma F GR Gravel Bike-02
Tom Pidcock Pinarello Dogma F GR Gravel Bike-02 (Image Credit: Liam Cahill)
It’s one bottle per hour, with two feed points marked along what is a rather busy elevation profile.

With 241km in his legs, Pidcock may have hoped for a little less attention, despite his number one UCI ranking affording him a front-row start. But as he arrived to the start, the Q36.5 rider’s Pinarello Dogma GR was surrounded by cameras.

While gravel pros in North America have been pushing into the world of MTB with 2.1” tyres and suspension, the smooth Limburg gravel resulted in numerous riders opting for comparatively narrow rubber.

Tom Pidcock Pinarello Dogma F GR Gravel Bike-11
Tom Pidcock Pinarello Dogma F GR Gravel Bike-11 (Image Credit: Liam Cahill)

Opting for 35mm Vittoria Terreno Pro T30 tyres, with its minimal tread pattern, suggested that Pidcock was happy to fall back on his world-class handling.

Tom Pidcock Pinarello Dogma F GR Gravel Bike-12
Tom Pidcock Pinarello Dogma F GR Gravel Bike-12 (Image Credit: Liam Cahill)

His custom red and gold Pinarello Dogma GR is capable of taking a 45mm front and 42mm rear tyre. With these clearances and a visibly aggressive geometry, it’s clear to see that the bike was chosen for its speed.

The Dogma GR retained much of the aero tube shaping found in Pinarello’s road race bikes, though a redesigned seatpost was added to increased comfort.

Tom Pidcock Pinarello Dogma F GR Gravel Bike-15
Tom Pidcock Pinarello Dogma F GR Gravel Bike-15 (Image Credit: Liam Cahill)

The rest of Pidcock’s setup also points to a man that isn’t looking to hang around. He opted for a SRAM Red XPLR drivetrain, with the 10-46T cassette paired to a 50T chainring.

Tom Pidcock Pinarello Dogma F GR Gravel Bike-08
Tom Pidcock Pinarello Dogma F GR Gravel Bike-08 (Image Credit: Liam Cahill)

For added security over the bumpy gravel roads, Pidcock’s mechanic had fitted a Wolf Tooth LoneWolf Aero chainguide.

Tom Pidcock Pinarello Dogma F GR Gravel Bike-16
Tom Pidcock Pinarello Dogma F GR Gravel Bike-16 (Image Credit: Liam Cahill)

At the front end, the Most integrated cockpit was slammed as low as possible.

Prior to the start, Pidcok and his mechanics removed the tool sleeve from the internal storage compartment. While this can be useful for longer rides, Pidcock wanted fast access to his plug tool, so decided to keep it in his back pocket.

Tom Pidcock Pinarello Dogma F GR Gravel Bike-06
Tom Pidcock Pinarello Dogma F GR Gravel Bike-06 (Image Credit: Liam Cahill)

With little risk of walking being needed, Pidcock chose to use his standard Shimano Dura-Ace road pedals.