"I blew myself up in the final phase" - Disappointment prevails for Tom Pidcock after Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

A top-10 finish marks a solid performance for Tom Pidcock at the beginning of the Classics season with Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Nevertheless, the always motivated Brit was left somewhat disappointed afterwards.

"I think I was good, but I blew myself up in the final phase," reflected the INEOS Grenadiers multi-discipline star in his post-race interview, having eventually crossed the line in 8th position. "I was comfortable at the front for a long time, but these races are so demanding and tough. If you have a race from kilometre thirty onwards..."

As mentioned, 8th was the best Pidcock could hope for in the end, but for a while things looked much more promising as the Brit was part of a six-man break alongside Wout van Aert, Christophe Laporte and others that looked good for victory. Sadly for Pidcock though, it wasn't to be. They were caught as the race headed into the finale, with Jan Tratnik being the man to eventually claim victory.

"At least we'll be home for dinner," Pidcock laughs ruefully. "We knew the wind would be strong, although less strong than expected. We rode forty seconds ahead of the peloton for a really long time. I lost my legs at the end, but this is promising.”