Quinten Hermans relishing Amstel Gold Race chance with Pidcock likely absent

It turned into a chaotic sprint in Overijse after a group of favourites was only caught at the foot of the rising final stretch. Foldager proved fastest from the pack, although Hermans came very close. That second place was a welcome boost for the Belgian, who crashed in Strade Bianche and subsequently saw a portion of his spring campaign fall apart.

"After my crash in Strade Bianche, I wasn't able to cycle for a long time," Hermans said afterwards. "It wasn't easy mentally to make a comeback." He returned to action in Dwars door Vlaanderen, where he did not finish, and in the Région Pays de la Loire Tour.

A second place in Brabantse Pijl is therefore a great sign. "I am happy that this result confirms I am on the right track," said the Belgian. Was there perhaps more in it? "I came close, but I am very happy that I was in the right wheel to finish second."

While Foldager also mentioned the wind after the finish, Hermans had similar words. "It would have been difficult to ride to victory in the wind. I didn't have my very best legs, but because of that, I was economical with my energy," the Pinarello-Q36.5 rider admitted.

That second place was also largely thanks to Xandro Meurisse, who delivered a superb lead-out. "Incredible! He has been searching for the right feeling for a while, but this was great to see." And Hermans himself? "I am happy that this result confirms I am on the right track."

Heading into the Amstel Gold Race on Sunday, this is naturally a good omen. Team leader Tom Pidcock does not appear to have recovered in time, although his absence has not yet been confirmed. Nevertheless, Hermans had this to say: "The eyes will certainly be on me within the team, but Amstel has a different field of competitors and is a much tougher race." It sounds promising!