"I was just missing that bit of explosiveness... I can’t come in flying like Remco Evenepoel” - Tom Pidcock fails to crack top 10 at Brabantse Pijl 2025

Tom Pidcock made his return to racing after a short break this Friday afternoon at Brabantse Pijl 2025. This failed to truly sparkle though, eventually failing to even crack the top 10 as Remco Evenepoel took victory on his own return to the peloton.

Detailing the race itself, Pidcock analyses himself just lacking that bit of kick to make a decisive move. “I think the first lap is the right moment to make the race. Everyone still has teammates at that point, so it’s easier to really push the pace and break things apart. I was just missing that bit of explosiveness,” he explains, having crossed the line in 11th, 27 seconds down on the fight for victory between Evenepoel and Wout van Aert. “I felt good, but when the pace really ramped up, I started to struggle. It’s often like this for me in my first race back. I can’t come in flying like Remco.”

Nevertheless, Pidcock isn't getting too downhearted about the disappointment, keeping focus ahead of Amstel Gold Race coming up for the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team leader this Sunday afternoon. "I can still be satisfied," the Brit concludes his assessment with optimism. "There’s just work to be done.”