Tom Pidcock, one of the most talented and versatile riders in professional cycling today, has made it clear that he refuses to train on time trial (TT) bikes outside of race environments. While TT bikes are engineered for speed and aerodynamics during competitions, Pidcock strongly believes they pose serious safety hazards when used during everyday road training. His comments have added to an ongoing debate about the practicality and risks of training with such specialized equipment.
The INEOS Grenadiers rider, known for his accomplishments across multiple cycling disciplines including road racing, cyclocross, and mountain biking, didn’t hold back in his assessment of TT bikes. Speaking candidly, he described them as simply too dangerous for standard training scenarios. Unlike in races, where routes are carefully managed and traffic is controlled, regular training sessions take place on open roads filled with unpredictable variables. Pidcock says the instability and handling characteristics of TT bikes make them ill-suited for this kind of environment.
“Time trial bikes just aren’t safe to train on,” Pidcock said. “The position they put you in is good for racing, but it compromises your control and awareness on the road. You’re more focused on being aerodynamic than on what’s happening around you — that’s not a good mix when you’re riding in traffic or dealing with sudden changes in your surroundings.”
Time trial bikes are designed with aerodynamics as the priority. Riders are positioned in a low, stretched-out posture that reduces drag but limits vision and maneuverability. This aerodynamic tuck makes it difficult to respond quickly to hazards like potholes, sharp turns, vehicles, or pedestrians. Even small changes in road surfaces can destabilize the bike because TT setups are more rigid and less forgiving than traditional road bikes.
For Pidcock, the danger lies not just in the bike’s mechanics but in the real-world scenarios cyclists face during training. On busy roads, riders need to be alert and ready to adjust quickly — something that’s harder to do when hunched forward over TT handlebars with limited peripheral vision and reduced braking power.
This isn’t just a personal quirk; many professionals acknowledge that time trial bikes are not built for daily training rides. Pidcock’s refusal to use them during practice underscores how professional cyclists are often forced to weigh performance optimization against safety. While TT bikes are essential in races, especially in events like the Tour de France or World Championships, they remain a controversial choice when it comes to regular training.
Instead of practicing on TT bikes, Pidcock and many of his peers opt for road bikes with clip-on aero bars or simply simulate TT positions while maintaining the superior control offered by standard road setups. He explained that this approach still allows riders to work on their TT-specific fitness and positioning without compromising safety.
“I don’t need to be riding a time trial bike to get good at time trials,” Pidcock added. “You can replicate that kind of effort and build the strength for it on a normal bike. The risk just isn’t worth it, especially with traffic, weather, or anything else that might come at you on the road.”
This viewpoint is increasingly being echoed within the pro peloton. Riders and coaches alike have become more conscious of how specialized equipment — though advantageous in races — may not be appropriate in uncontrolled training conditions. The tragic accidents and serious injuries that have occurred in cycling in recent years have led to increased scrutiny of training practices and bike safety.
Some teams, including INEOS Grenadiers, are taking steps to mitigate these risks. Training rides are now more structured, often conducted in safer environments or with support vehicles. However, there are still plenty of scenarios where riders have to train solo or without full support. In those moments, decisions like Pidcock’s can make the difference between safety and danger.
Moreover, the increasing number of traffic accidents involving cyclists has only intensified concerns. Riders are more vulnerable than ever, and equipment that reduces their ability to react or increases instability can amplify the risk. Pidcock’s stance sends a powerful message — that even at the elite level, personal safety must take precedence over marginal performance gains.
Pidcock’s comments have also prompted discussions among cycling fans and commentators. While some argue that time spent on a TT bike is essential for muscle memory and perfecting race-day posture, others agree with his view that these gains should not come at the expense of safety. A growing number of coaches advocate for alternative training methods that allow athletes to build endurance and TT power without using the actual bike until race day or within a controlled setting.
To be clear, Pidcock is not dismissing the value of time trial bikes entirely. He acknowledges their importance in competition and the role they play in giving riders an edge. But he draws a firm line when it comes to incorporating them into daily training routines. In his mind, no amount of aerodynamic benefit is worth risking serious injury or worse.
As Pidcock continues to rise in the ranks of professional cycling, his approach to equipment and safety may influence younger riders and even reshape how teams design their training strategies. His message is simple but impactful: professional cyclists, despite their extraordinary skills, are still human. The road is unpredictable, and no athlete — no matter how talented — is immune to the dangers that come with training on unstable equipment in uncontrolled environments.
In summary, Tom Pidcock has taken a firm stance against training with time trial bikes, pointing to their lack of safety and practicality on open roads. His reasoning stems from firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the risks that come with their use outside of competition. As more cyclists grapple with the balance between performance and protection, Pidcock’s words may well serve as a guiding principle: race to win, but train to stay alive.
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