01 Jan 2023
Pidcock third in Baal after last lap crash
Related riders
Tom Pidcock
Tom Pidcock battled to the finish in Baal to claim third place despite a heavy crash on the last lap of the race.
The traditional January 1st race saw Pidcock take the lead on the second lap and look to manage his advantage to chasing duo Michael Vanthourenhout and Eli Iserbyt.
The team-mates were held at around 10 seconds but Pidcock lost control on the fast jump section on the final lap. Despite remounting after his crash the Brit was quickly caught and was unable to hold off his rivals, with Iserbyt pushing clear to take the win.
Pidcock would eventually cross the line 1:02 back, showing real grit to maintain a podium finish. His next scheduled race quickly arrives with round four of the series on Tuesday in Herentals.
The team-mates were held at around 10 seconds but Pidcock lost control on the fast jump section on the final lap. Despite remounting after his crash the Brit was quickly caught and was unable to hold off his rivals, with Iserbyt pushing clear to take the win.
Pidcock would eventually cross the line 1:02 back, showing real grit to maintain a podium finish. His next scheduled race quickly arrives with round four of the series on Tuesday in Herentals.
Baal also saw the Grenadiers debut of Thymen Arensman. The new Dutch signing has big targets on the road this season and used the race as a hard training session in front of the Belgian crowds. Pauline Ferrand-Prevot had been scheduled to race in the women’s event but was unable to start due to illness.
Reaction
- Tom Pidcock
"I'm a little bit shaken. It was a bit of a stupid crash. I hope it was on TV at least!
"I went down the same as every other lap. I wasn't feeling very good today but I wanted to try and make a fast last lap. I was trying to go a little bit faster everywhere but obviously this was a dangerous section so it's not the best idea.
"When you're going that fast sometimes it's easier just to jump than stay on the floor but I wasn't being stupid or anything. I tried [to come back]. It wasn't bad but my leg is pretty bruised now. We'll see. I'll see how it is later."
- Tom Pidcock
"I'm a little bit shaken. It was a bit of a stupid crash. I hope it was on TV at least!
"I went down the same as every other lap. I wasn't feeling very good today but I wanted to try and make a fast last lap. I was trying to go a little bit faster everywhere but obviously this was a dangerous section so it's not the best idea.
"When you're going that fast sometimes it's easier just to jump than stay on the floor but I wasn't being stupid or anything. I tried [to come back]. It wasn't bad but my leg is pretty bruised now. We'll see. I'll see how it is later."
