Why Pidcock's taking a 'time-out' after gruelling Vuelta podium finish

For a natural-born winner like Tom Pidcock, it is jarring to hear him talk of a podium place as feeling like a victory, but that is exactly how he greeted his breakthrough performance at a grand tour over the past three weeks.

- by Nick Westby

The 26-year-old Yorkshireman finished third in the Vuelta a Espana on Sunday, having negotiated the final mountain test 24 hours earlier as Jonas Vingegaard rode to victory on stage 20 and in the general classification.

Pidcock's performance on Saturday summed up just how much clinging to that podium spot meant.

More than once Pidcock appeared to be losing the wheels of his rivals but he never cracked, crossing the line in fourth place, five seconds behind Hindley to all but ensure his podium spot before Sunday's final stage.