Pidcock sprints to fifth at Omloop

 Tom Pidcock sprinted to fifth place at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad as the Opening Weekend of the Classics kicked off.

 

The Brit was able to launch a strong sprint in Ninove, coming around a number of riders in the final metres to claim sixth. Also in the group was Magnus Sheffield (22nd), who worked hard following the Bosberg to help close the gap to a small group of breakaway riders.

 

Up front there was no stopping former Grenadier Dylan van Baarle (Jumbo-Visma), who won solo after a long-range attack.

 

Pidcock had hit the front with 28 kilometres to go to pushing things onwards and again rose through the pack on the famous Muur ascent.

 

Earlier in the race Connor Swift went off the front as part of a strong six-man move featuring a number of top teams. His presence was a big tactical help but the move was ultimately reeled in with 66km to go.

 

The race got off to a tough start for the team after Ben Turner was forced to abandon following a crash. The Brit was checked in hospital, with scans revealing a fractured elbow.

 

After the race Pidcock said: “It was really difficult to actually make a difference in the end. Okay maybe I could have attacked but for sure a Jumbo guy could have followed me. It was a tricky race to play out.”