Tom Pidcock crashes out of GP Sven Nys and set to skip world title defence as Eli Iserbyt snatches victory in Belgium

Bingoal-Pauwels Sauzen rider Eli Iserbyt capitalised on a Tom Pidcock slip-up to come from behind to win at the GP Sven Nys.

The world champion led Iserbyt and his INEOS Grenadiers team-mate Michael Vanthourenhout, but a slip on the second berm of the pump track section caused the 23-year-old to slide out of control, into the course barrier and over the lining.

As Iserbyt and Vanthourenhout caught and passed the Brit, the pair battled as Iserbyt ultimately came out on top, with Pidcock finishing third.

“I was not feeling really good today but I wanted to try and make a fast last lap,” Pidcock explained after the race. “So I was trying to go a little bit faster everywhere.

“Obviously, this is a dangerous section so that was not the best idea.

“I wasn’t being stupid or anything – I was thinking about doing a whip but no. I have a nasty bruise on my leg.”

Blood was seen streaming down the leg of Pidcock on the final lap as he tried to recoup the lead he held since the second lap.

Series leader Iserbyt held off pressure from Pidcock and Vanthourenhout to finally claimed a win after a tough period for the 25-year-old.

“It was not that important but it’s good for my head, for my family and everyone who believed in me,” Iserbyt said. “It’s been a difficult two months for me.

“I’m very happy that Michael helped me in the last lap. The feeling is getting better and better, and I’m pleased.”

Following the race, Pidcock confirmed he will not be defending his world title at the 2023 world championships.

“I knew for a while I wouldn’t be riding,” Pidcock said in his race match interview.” That was a decision made a while ago.”

“The road season is so much more important to me, in 2023 I especially want to perform consistently in those spring Monuments.

“If I succeed, the results will follow. If you’re up front with everything, you get more options.”

“Tom won’t ride the world championships. We decided that a while ago,” Pidcock’s coach Kurt Bogaerts confirmed. “We aim for a good campaign during the spring classics. The world championships are in the way of that.”

Pidcock had already hinted that he would prioritise Spring Classics on the road and that the world championships might be too late in the calendar.

“The World Championship is very late this time, isn’t it? If you peak for this Championship and then you have to prepare for the Classics,” Pidcock told Het Nieuwsblad in November.