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.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CLASSIC BIKE COLNAGO SUPER
A trailblazing bike immortalised by Merckx and Saronni
"Strava activities are the only way I know some of my friends are still alive"
...or that Bernard is doing his weekly shop
AN EXPERT'S TAKE ON... SADDLE SELECTION
Crucial advice to guide your next purchase
JUST A NUMB#R?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
RURAL PERIL
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
A BLESSED RIDE THROUGH THE FOREST OF BOWLAND
Forgoing cloak, cassock and cross, Trevor Ward goes in search of the holy roads that helped make a Tour winner
Dame Sarah Storey claims road and 19th gold double
More success for Team GB's Paralympians in Paris, but Storey slams women's time trial course
Roglič matches Vuelta win record
Slovenian takes fourth Tour of Spain title after hunting down O'Connor's lead, writes Adam Becket
Williams crowned Tour of Britain champion
Welshman leads home resurgence at the stage race to crown an Israel-Premier Tech clean sweep, reports Tom Davidson in Felixstowe
CLASSIC BIKE CLAUD BUTLER OLYMPIC ROAD
Iconic British brand's Holdsworth-era road bike