Young Brits on verge of major Classics win

As the Spring Classics approach, it has been a promising start in Belgium from a young British contingent, reports James Shrubsall

How long before a British rider scoops a win in a major Classic? Not long, the results from this weekend’s racing in Belgium would suggest, with a slew of promising rides from young riders.

Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers) got his year off to a good start with fifth place in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, while Pfeiffer Georgi (Team DSM) recorded the same result in the women’s race.

Also active in the men’s race was Fred Wright (Bahrain Victorious), who has gone so close on several occasions to his first WorldTour win, while Jake Stewart (Groupama-FDJ), always a presence in the Classics, finished 17th.

The following day Stewart’s team-mate and WorldTour debutant Sam Watson (Groupama-FDJ) was impressively active in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne before going on to finish in a creditable 18th place in the 1.Pro event. The junior race also suggested that the outlook for the future remains healthy, with Jed Smithson (Fensham Howes) taking fifth there.

There’s also Zoe Bäckstedt, who was 68th in her first outing as a senior pro with EF Education-Tibco-SVB. Few would bet against her giving the more experienced riders something to lose sleep about within the next season or two.