Picnic PostNL Rider Patrick Eddy, 22, Fears for Future: "Very Complicated Transfer Market
Niels Bastiaens
The Dutch WorldTeam Picnic PostNL was left with only three riders in the final weekend of the Tour de Langkawi, but what caught our attention throughout the week in Malaysia at Pim Ligthart’s team was a hyperactive Patrick Eddy. There turns out to be a very good reason for that.
The 22-year-old Australian finished in the top 15 of the sprints in almost every stage, but was also very active throughout the race. This earned Eddy the mountains jersey and a lot of extra publicity, something the young all-rounder could definitely use after two pro years without major results, especially now that he sees his contract with Picnic PostNL coming to an end.
"This autumn is a very complicated transfer market in cycling," Eddy says into our microphone. "Many teams are waiting, and not all decisions have been made at our team either. I understand that and I am being patient. But I would really like to stay with the team. We are still in talks at the moment. All I can do now is show myself as much as possible. That makes the decision a little easier for the team. I want to prove that I can ride finals."
That was not yet possible earlier. "In Langkawi, I get the chance to race for myself for the first time in those two years. My main task is usually to lead out our sprinters. I also find that I am better at leading out sprints than sprinting myself. These sprints are a bit of a learning curve, but actually I am still discovering myself as a rider. I am not a pure sprinter, and I also want to show myself in the classics. I still need a little more time."
Eddy during the Vuelta -photo: Cor Vos
At a young age, Eddy was recruited by the Dutch team after proving his worth in his home country with several national junior titles. "The step to Europe is never easy for Australians," Eddy explains. "But this team gives us, more than any other, an environment where young riders can really settle in. This was the number one team I wanted to join for the development program because I had heard about their setup in Sittard, and you see a lot of young riders taking big steps here."
"In the end, they made my transition to Europe much easier than many of my compatriots experience," Eddy continues. "The team gives you many opportunities, but they do so step by step. At 22, I’ve already had the chance to ride the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and the Vuelta a España, but I certainly don't feel burned out yet. How many riders my age can say that?"
Future?
That’s exactly why Eddy wants to stay with the Dutch team so badly—otherwise, his career risks ending before it really even begins. "I don’t have a contract yet, so things could go different ways for me at the moment. The main goal is to continue developing as a lead-out rider with this team and to make further progress in the classics in a supporting role. But apart from what I show now, it’s not in my own hands."
Eddy is meanwhile working on a plan B. "If I’m not allowed to stay, I want to at least remain in the WorldTour. But I can always focus again on track cycling and aim for the Olympic Games. It feels strange to talk about such a big event as a plan B. Of course, it remains something very special, but I mean that I’d rather keep my primary focus on my road career for now."
Patrick Eddy| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2025 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2023 | |
| 2022 | |
| 2021 |
