Fifth in the Storm: De Gendt Opens the Classics with Authority
Grit, composure and resilience define Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team’s Omloop campaign amid cold, rain and chaos!
The 2026 edition of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad delivered a true Flemish examination from the very first hour: near-freezing temperatures, persistent drizzle, crosswinds and a relentless series of crashes that continually reshaped the race.
On a day where positioning and resilience were paramount, Aime De Gendt powered to an impressive fifth place, opening the cobbled Classics with a performance built on composure and tactical awareness.
"It was quite cold, but with the Q36.5 Rain Shell Aero Jersey, I was quite okay. I kept it on for a long time. There were a lot of crashes, so it was about staying out of trouble, which worked well. In the end, we made the best of it by taking fifth place."
Aimé De GendtThe race unfolded in classic Flanders fashion, relentless, technical and unpredictable.
"It was like a real Flanders race. Hectic rain, wind, chaos. All the time you had to adapt to new situations."
Aimé De GendtIn a decisive finale where timing and positioning proved critical, De Gendt remained attentive and opportunistic, converting a brutal day into a top-five finish that sets a clear direction for the weeks ahead.
For Tom Pidcock, the afternoon presented a different but equally demanding challenge. Rain began after just 30 kilometres, turning the race into a battle for survival.
"Honestly, as soon as it started raining after 30 kilometers, it was just about surviving. All I could focus on was staying warm and not crashing, it was fighting with myself. At least I didn’t crash. I’m happy I got through. That’s a positive."
Tom Pidcock
Pidcock successfully avoided the numerous crashes that disrupted the peloton. However, he was later forced to change bikes after a rival rider collided with him and damaged his derailleur, costing valuable time at a crucial moment of the race. Despite the setback, he fought through to the finish.
With the opening cobbled Classic complete, the team leaves Belgium encouraged. A top-five result in extreme conditions, collective resilience under pressure and strong sensations to build upon provide solid foundations as the Spring campaign gathers momentum.
