‘Not my speciality but I’ll take that’: Tom Pidcock on his bunch sprint Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne podium
The British star said he didn’t feel good heading into his second cobbled race with Ineos, but still emerged at the front
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Tom Pidcock said he was feeling the effects of a tough weekend of racing in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, but he still managed to secure a podium finish in the bunch sprint.
The British rider made his debut in the Classics Opening Weekend, lining up in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne in Ineos Grenadiers colours.
After a day of aggressive racing in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, which saw him finish 55th, Pidcock was more reserved the following day in Kuurne but still fought his way to a third-place finish in the bunch sprint for the line.
Speaking after the finish, the 21-year-old said: "I didn’t feel good all day, I think yesterday was still in my legs a bit so I’m pretty pleased with that. Third place in a bunch sprint? Not my specialty but I’ll take that.
"I’m pleased with that and I have picked up form much quicker than I thought, I had a break after cross, and it bodes well for the next few races I think.
"It was not as difficult as it could have been to transition from cross to road, I kept some form from the cross season.”
Having made his WorldTour debut with Ineos in the Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var, Pidcock then lined up in his first elite cobbled races on Saturday and Sunday (February 27-28).
In Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Pidcock put in a huge effort to bridge across from the peloton to join an elite group, including world champion Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck - Quick-Step), at the front late in the race.
But despite the admirable effort, the peloton were able to catch the breakaway to set up a bunch sprint in Ninove, won by Deceuninck’s Davide Ballerini, while Pidcock slipped back to finish outside of the front group.
Then on Sunday, Pidcock rode well and found himself in the second group on the road in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, as a breakaway group including Mathieu van der Poel and Pidcock’s team-mate Jhonatan Narvaez threatened to go the line.
Once again the race came back together to set up a bunch sprint, but this time Pidcock was at the front and ready to fight.
It was former world champion Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) who dominated the sprint, followed by Anthony Turgis, of Total Direct Energie.
But close behind, Pidcock put in a surging sprint, taking the second British podium of the weekend after Jake Stewart (Groupama-FDJ) took second in Omloop Het Nieuwslad.
Pidcock’s next race will be on the gravel roads of Tuscany in Strade Bianche next weekend.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
-
Adrie van der Poel reveals banter exchanged with Mathieu before CX World Championships
Van der Poel senior says that his sons cyclo-cross season has been ‘perfect’ preparation for a strong start to the cobbled classics
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
'They come to my country and kill kids': UCI's decision to allow Russian riders at World Championships draws passionate reaction
There has been a mixed response to the UCI's decision to allow Russian and Belarusian riders the opportunity to return to the international stage.
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
Global backers in talks over new British WorldTour team
Former management of Ribble Weldtite courting interest in new project
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
'I remember the crowds more than anything': Tom Pidcock recalls his Alpe d'Huez Tour de France stage win
Our male rider of the year, Tom Pidcock, talks us through the highs and lows of his 2022 campaign
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Leo Hayter, Cycling Weekly's rising star of 2022, talks through his season in the spotlight
We caught up with the winner of the "Baby Giro" to hear all about the win in Italy and his dream move to Ineos Grenadiers
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers release 'visibly fast' 2023 jersey
Navy is replaced with red as British team changes its look
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Where next for Mark Cavendish after B & B Hotels-KTM's collapse?
We look at where the ‘Manx Missile’ could find himself next after the collapse of B & B Hotels-KTM
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
‘It’s a good thing and shows progression of the sport’ - Ben Swift hails changes at British Cycling academy
Ineos Grenadier says putting academy riders in with development teams will encourage development of many skills
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
'I know I can do it so I need to make that next level': Ben Turner signs Ineos Grenadiers contract extension
The Classics and another Grand Tour are on the agenda for Doncaster's Big Ben
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
Tom Pidcock unsure whether he will defend cyclocross world title in 2023
“I don’t know yet, crossing in the winter and being good in the classics is a difficult combination” Pidcock said
By Tom Thewlis • Published