Tom Pidcock disappointed with fourth in Heusden-Zolder: "I didn't participate in the race at all"

Tom Pidcock has looked strong in Gavere, however yesterday in Heusden-Zolder the Briton found a faster and more explosive course that was not as well suited to his skills. His disappointment was evident following the race however despite finishing just outside the podium.

“I chose the middle of the road at the start. But that turned out not to be the best idea. Other riders overtook me on both sides," Pidcock said in a post-race interview. "Then I was too far behind. Unfortunately, Mathieu and Wout had already left before I could even see them. Then it's already too late."

With the leading duo attacking in the opening laps of the race, Pidcock did not have time to respond. He was then in the chasing group together with the likes of Michael Vanthourenhout, Laurens Sweeck, Lars van der Haar and Quinten Hermans, however to bridge over to the front was an impossible task.

“I didn't participate in the race at all today. I participated in another race," the World Champion continued, disappointed with the race's outcome. "It wasn't my best day today. It was a tough track. Halfway through the race I was already having a hard time, mainly because of all the sprints after the corners."

In the end the Briton's form was shown however, as several riders cracked but he worked together with Lars van der Haar to escape the rest of the group and cut the gap to the front in half. However it was not enough. "I couldn't close the gap with him. Normally you can always make up a piece on the straight, but that was not the case today," he said.

The reasons are likely piling up behind Pidcock who is still unsure of his participation in the World Championships. He has not yet been able to beat Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, however he will have another opportunity tonight in Diegem.