Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers) was forced to measure himself precisely in order to close the gap to Remco Evenpole (Sourdal-Quick Step) on Sunday in Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

The British rider admitted that he could not keep up with the world champion when he attacked late in the race, but by riding at his own pace, he was able to finish second and take his first monumental podium finish. This is the best result in British history at Liège and the first podium since Philippa York finished third in 1988.

"Of course it was hard today. Pidcock, who was third in last week's Amstel Gold, said after the race. [I reached my limit on the next climb and knew I could either give it my all here and finish with nothing, or wait a bit and try for second place. But I still finished second, so I guess the plan paid off."

The overwhelming favorite, Tadej Pogachar, was forced to abandon the race 85km into the race when he broke his wrist and was immediately taken to the hospital for surgery.

Evenpoel, another contender for the win, put pressure on him on the Côte de la Redoute, but Pidcock caught him again on the descent.

Pidcock, the world champion, left Pidcock behind on the Côte de Cornemont and rode solo for about 30 km to win.

"It was tough. He asked me to turn and I said "no."

Pidcock ended up winning the chase group sprint to take second place, with Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain Victorious) third on the podium and Ben Healy (EF Education Easypost) fourth in Liege.

"Of course my ambition is to win and I want to win, but Lemko was incredibly strong today. It was my first podium in Monument, so I can be satisfied," Pidcock said.

"In previous years, I haven't had much luck in this race. Last year I got sick during the race. So this is my first success and I want to take this as a positive."