Tom Pidcock ahead of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: "The first one is therefore always a shock"

Tom Pidcock is having many goals this season: The Tour de France; MTB Olympics and Ardennes classics. His presence at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad then is an interesting one as it'll be his sole cobbled classic of the season, but he is looking forward to leading the British team this weekend.

"I know this race is always a tough one. These races require something completely different from all other road races and the first one is therefore always a shock," the Briton said in a press release issued by INEOS Grenadiers. "However, I am confident that I am on the right track. I am strong and fit and am looking forward to showing that in Saturday's race."

Pidcock is set to face very harsh weather conditions that do not favour lightweight riders. This will be a big obstacle, but even if he gets through it, a very strong Team Visma | Lease a Bike stands in the way of triumph. It will be a day to test form in the one-day races, a week before a big goal of his spring which is Strade Bianche where he is the reigning champion.

"We explored on Thursday, although that doesn't add much. It's not that I remember every cobblestone, but it's nice to get used to the route and the flow. Knowing what's coming is so important in these races," he admits. "You don't want to have to rely on your team leader all the time." Ben Turner will be the other team weapon in for this Saturday's race, which will see the riders race through the famous Muur de Geraardsbergen and Bosberg.