"A positive day, but we've got some improving to do" - Tom Pidcock retains optimism despite quiet Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

It wasn't to be for Tom Pidcock at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025 on Saturday afternoon. Following a very impressive start to the season, big things had been expected of the Brit on opening weekend, but ultimately, Pidcock could do no better than take a 36th placed finish.

"From early on we saw that Alpecin-Deceuninck were doing a really strong ride today to control the race," reflected Pidcock in his post-race interview with Eurosport, as Uno-X Mobility's Soren Waerenskjold had taken a surprise win from an unexpected bunch sprint. "There was not really anywhere to go. I decided to save myself for the Muur and the Bosberg, but then I entered the Bosberg way too far back and it's actually quite a scary descent that is! I'm feeling good, I'm quite fresh, but there's not really anything I can do there. It's a bit disappointing but at the same time I kind of expected that."

"The level is super high, there's so many good riders," continues the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team leader. "Normally people's legs will fall off near the end, you know it's a hard race, but today, a lot of good guys. Everyone has had a good winter."

An in a first cobbled Classic with his new team, there is certainly room for improvement. "Yeah, I mean there was a lot of guys I've never raced with before. You always to learn how each other work," Pidcock assesses. "Unfortunately Frederik Frison crashed in the feed zone, so I hope he's alright. So yeah, a positive day, but we've got some improving to do."