Shivering from the cold, Pidcock builds confidence ahead of Liège with podium finish in Flèche Wallonne: "Everyone always says it's a race that suits me"

Like all the other riders, Pidcock looked exhausted as he crossed the finish line in Huy after a day in the cold, pouring rain in the Ardennes. The British rider decided to let his team work for him in the opening phase before taking matters into his own hands on the Wall of Huy. Just like everyone else, Pidcock did not respond when Pogacar put in his explosive acceleration, but a podium place gave him a good feeling.

In his four previous participations, including two 'did not finish' results, sixth place was his best finish. "I think today was clearly the better one," said Pidcock in his flash interview, looking back on his previous participations. "I struggled in the cold, and I'm still very cold, but honestly, I'm happy with this."

The final kilometer of the steep climb did not go entirely smoothly for the British rider. "I think it was important not to go too early. I had trouble changing gears after the descent when I was on the small front chainring. Maybe I should have stayed on the small chainring."

Nevertheless, the 25-year-old rider is satisfied. "In the end, I climbed well. I felt pretty good. I think if I had done things differently, it would have gone a little faster, but I think Tadej was in a different league today," Pidcock said honestly about the race's outcome.

This Sunday, a major Monument awaits with Liège-Bastogne-Liège. "Everyone always says it's a race that suits me, but I always struggle there. So, it's nice to finish on the podium today," concludes the Q36.5 leader.

"I've worked hard over the last few weeks. Maybe I'm not quite at the level I wanted in the last few races, so finishing on the podium is great. It gives me confidence ahead of 'the big one' on Sunday," referring to Liège-Bastogne-Liège.