Tom Pidcock makes 'rookie mistake' in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: "I actually wanted to quit"

In the buildup to Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, his name was often mentioned, but Tom Pidcock rode a lackluster race. The leader of Pinarello-Q36.5 did experience some mechanical issues along the way, but he also admitted to making a crucial mistake.

Pidcock—who crossed the line only 48th, two minutes behind winner Mathieu van der Poel—was quite self-critical in his post-race interview with Sporza. "After 30 kilometers, it started raining, and I could only focus on trying to stay warm and not crash. It was mainly a battle with myself."

"I actually wanted to abandon because I was really cold. I underestimated how cold I would get once the rain started. Definitely a ‘rookie mistake’ on my part," said the Olympic MTB champion.

For Pidcock, this is quite a setback after a strong start to the season. Earlier this month, he still secured several podiums on Spanish soil. In the final stage of the Ruta del Sol, he even won the last stage following a scorching attack on the final climb.