Tom Pidcock admitted to a few tactical errors, but was pleased with his first race of the Classic season at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and said he was surprisingly strong himself.

The Ineos Grenadiers rider started his second career Classic campaign by switching to the road at the recent Volta ao Algarve, after winning the cyclocross world title at the end of January.

His 18th place finish may not be anything to write home about, but his response in Berendreis, where the race caught fire in earnest for the first time, was telling. He cleared the cobbled climb with teammate Joathan Narvaez, Jumbo Visma duo Wout Van Aert and Tiesj Benoot, and Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain Victorious).

The first mistake was letting Benoot escape, giving Van Aert a tactical advantage in the pack.

"Letting Tigier escape was a tactical mistake. I was caught in the pack because the pack got stuck and I got caught in the pack. [It was still a long way to the finish with a headwind, so all I could think about at that point was getting to Mule. It was a difficult situation, but we didn't need to sacrifice anyone yet."

A group of about 20 formed before the final climb of the Vossberg, and Benoot was really caught at the end of the Mur. Van Aert did not wait for the climb to attack, drew a couple of reactions, then forced clear on the climb and rode solo 13 km to the finish.

"Maybe I should have gone with Van Aat when he went," Pidcock explained, "but I was a little nervous because that climb is the least for me in the whole race. But I was a little nervous because that climb is the one that doesn't suit me the best."

"At that point everyone was thinking about Vosberg, so he went at the right time; two riders tried to go with him and couldn't, so after that I think everyone was thinking about second place."

Perhaps that is why Pidcock was only 18th, despite his sprint being stronger than usual. Interestingly, he noted that his head "wasn't in the right place" and said he lost motivation once the victory was gone down the road.

"I felt really good today. I'm actually surprised at how well I'm doing. I feel good. Now I just have to get my head in the right place," Pidcock said.

He added a little later. I messed up a little bit in the final, but it was a good day. But it was a good day. But it was a good day."

While Pidcock took a restless approach to preparing for winter and his second professional season, Van Aert, who has a growing list of rivals in cross and road, was modest. To curb his broad ambitions and peak in the spring and beyond, Belgian champion Van Aert shortened his cross season and opted for no preparatory races, opting instead for high-altitude training.

"He was at a good level, but more importantly, the timing was right to attack. 'He was struggling ...... He wasn't struggling, but after Berendrye he was more breathless than anyone else. He was certainly in good shape, but they were running well as a team.

Suggesting a possible psychological battle this spring, he added: "He was good. Of course he was good. We need to win some big races this season.