Tom Pidcock breaks down 'disappointing' Q36.5 Classics debut at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad - 'Not really anything I could do'
Published 02/03/2025 at 14:06 GMT
Tom Pidcock could not build on his positive start to the season as he finished 36th in his first Classics appearance since joining Q36.5 at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Breaking down the "disappointing" race, Pidcock was unhappy with his position as he reached the important Muur van Geraardsbergen climb, but conceded that he "expected" a tough day in Flanders.
‘No pressure to win here’ – Pidcock planning to ‘enjoy the racing'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Tom Pidcock said his "disappointing" Classics debut at new team Q36.5 was "expected", after the Brit finished 36th at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist enjoyed a positive start to the season ahead of the Opening Weekend, taking two stages and the overall classification at the AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia, and won a stage at the Vuelta a Andalucia.
Despite the initial signs being positive for the Brit, the race coming together for a bunch sprint ultimately put paid to Pidcock's chances, with the 25-year-old unable to figure in the high-octane finish.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the race, Pidcock highlighted his disappointment at his placing upon reaching the key Muur van Geraardsbergen climb.
"I think from quite early on I saw that Alpecin [-Deceuninck] did a really strong ride controlling the race, and there was not really anywhere to go," Pidcock said.
"I was trying to save myself for the Muur and the Bosberg, but then I entered the Muur way too far back. Every year, I've actually gone into the Muur in a little group off the front, and then the bunch has caught me.
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Highlights: Waerenskjold takes surprise Omloop win on the sprint
Video credit: TNT Sports
"There's not really anything I could do there. It's a bit disappointing, but at the same time, I kind of expected that today. [My shape is] pretty good, I'm alright, and I'm quite fresh."
Soren Waerenskjold of Uno-X Mobility emerged the unlikely winner in Flanders, bursting out of the crowded finale to take victory ahead of Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep) and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck).
Asked why the race stayed together, Pidcock explained: "The level is super high. There are so many good riders, and that's all I can say.
"Normally, people's legs fall off near the end. It's a hard race, but today the weather was also pretty OK and not cold, so just a lot of good guys stayed in. Everyone has had a good winter."
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It was a tough day for Q36.5 in the main, with Frederik Frison and Kamil Malecki not finishing due to a crash, and Nickolas Zukowsky's chances thwarted by a puncture.
Pidcock said his team have "some improving to do" as they head into the season, as he and his team-mates continue to build a synergy.
"I think it's difficult with a lot of guys that I've never raced with before," Pidcock said. "You always have to learn how each other work. It's a positive day, but we've got some improving to do."
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