Wild crash derails Pidcock, Iserbyt claims GP Sven Nys
World Champion looked set to take solo victory before crashing on pump track section

Eli Iserbyt (Bingoal-Pauwels Sauzen) came from behind to snatch the first victory of 2023 at the GP Sven Nys from world champion Tom Pidcock who suffered a dramatic crash in the closing lap.
Pidcock had a solid gap on Iserbyt and his teammate Michael Vanthourenhout but lost control on the pump track section of the course in Baal. He caught air on the first berm then slid out on the second one, flipping over the banners lining the course.
Iserbyt and Vanthourenhout caught and passed the dejected world champion to take the top two spots, while Pidcock came in third a minute down with blood streaming down his left leg.
"I was not feeling really good today but I wanted to try and make a fast last lap, 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."
The Briton followed closely as Michael Vanthourenhout claimed the hole shot in Baal and latched onto the Bingoal-Pauwels Sauzen train as series leader Eli Iserbyt came forward on the opening lap.
With a series of tough hills and mud covering deep ruts, the course quickly shattered the field and Pidcock forged clear on the second lap and never looked back.
But whether it was overconfidence or simply too much speed, the final lap crash ruined the race for the Briton, and Iserbyt could finally claim a win after being injured and overshadowed by the 'big three' since October.
"It was not that important but it's good for my head, for my family and everyone who believed in me. 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," Iserbyt said.
Oeps… 😵💫 pic.twitter.com/4Zf6ZgW7cmJanuary 1, 2023
Results powered by FirstCycling
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
'I really want to make this season a strong one' - Ethan Vernon eyes Scheldeprijs before big end of season goals
The British rider set to race the Critérium du Dauphiné, British National Championships and Tour de Pologne in preparation for the Vuelta a España -
‘Plenty of opportunities for puncheurs’ – Tudor’s Tour de France wildcard gives Alaphilippe chance to chase seventh stage win
'It’s super motivating to think about the Tour' says French six-time stage winner -
'He's one of the best riders of all time' – Jorgenson defends Van Aert ahead of final Flanders test at Dwars door Vlaanderen
Visma duo return to the race where Van Aert crashed out of the Classics last season, but on a 'significantly' different course -
'He lifts the team' – The Tom Pidcock effect at Q36.5 Pro Cycling
How the arrival of the British star has been strengthening the whole programme at the Swiss ProTeam