Now, Tom is carving out a new direction, one that swaps the structure of a professional team for the freedom to do things his own way. Rediscovering the freedom that first drew him to the sport.

“I’ve always been quite independent,” he says. “I like figuring things out as I go, doing things my own way. Being a privateer gives me that freedom to pick the events I want to do, work with brands that genuinely share my passion for cycling, and build something that feels true to me.”

For Tom, it’s also about sharing something bigger: the clarity and freedom cycling has given him and the positive impact it can have on mental health. “Cycling has always been my escape,” he says. “It’s given me focus, clarity, and a sense of calm through challenging times. I want to show others that it can do the same for them. Riding can be more than sport, it can be an outlet for mental well-being and personal growth.”

Looking to 2026, Tom has a clear idea of how he wants to shape his season, a balance of competition, exploration, and the pure enjoyment of riding.

“I want to blend a mix of events I’ve done before and really enjoyed with some new ones, while exploring more of the world in the process,” he says. “I’m hoping to start the year with Strade Bianche Gran Fondo in Tuscany, it’s one I’ve wanted to tick off for a while and feels like the perfect way to kick things off. I’ll be mixing both road and gravel events again, mainly across the UK and Europe, keeping that balance between competition, adventure, and the love of riding.”

His goals as a privateer go far beyond race results. “My main goal is to keep evolving as a rider, a creator, and a person,” he says. “I want to continue performing at a high level while using my platform to inspire others to ride, explore, and find their own motivation. I want people to see cycling not just as a sport, but as a lifestyle, one that supports both physical and mental well-being.”

Riding without a traditional team structure comes with its challenges - logistics, sponsors, funding, and travel all fall on his shoulders. But for Tom, that’s part of the adventure.

“There are definitely challenges without a traditional team setup,” he says. “Managing logistics, sponsors, funding, and travel on your own can be tough at times, but it’s always worth it. I’m hugely grateful for the support of Le Col and everyone who helps make what I do possible, from sponsors to people who follow and support my journey. Having that backing means a lot and makes a big difference.”

For Tom, this is not the end of his racing career, it’s the evolution of it. A move toward something more personal, more intentional, and more connected to the essence of why he started riding in the first place.

“I’ve raced in teams, chased results, ridden against the best in the world,” he reflects. “Now, it’s about rediscovering that original love of riding, the freedom, the focus, and the feeling that there’s still so much more road to explore.”