"I feel myself getting stronger" - Tom Pidcock ready to compete for the win at Liege-Bastogne-Liege following disappointing Fleche Wallone

After a disappointing result of 18th at La Fleche Wallone, Tom Pidcock is determined to bounce back at Liege-Bastogne-Liege, putting his poor performance on the Mur de Huy down to tiredness.

“I was not well on Wednesday. The Wall of Huy never lies," the 23-year-old INEOS Grenadiers Classics leader told Sporza. “I had completely exhausted myself in the Amstel Gold Race. I feel better now, but the level is very high. After my crash in the Tirreno-Adriatico I missed Milan-San Remo and was unable to cycle for several days. That is not ideal.”

Pidcock's campaign hasn't been without success. The Brit took a brilliant win at Strade Bianche. Since then however, his performances have been a bit disappointing. 52nd at the Tour of Flanders, 11th at Dwars door Vlaanderen and to a lesser extent 3rd at the Amstel Gold Race all represent missed opportunities for Pidcock.

“Tadej Pogacar is currently the strongest rider in the world," Pidcock says, praising the man that has proved his nemesis so far during the Ardennes Classics. "With every chance I get, I feel myself getting stronger, but when he starts, nothing can be done against him," he concludes.