Sam Watson put in a superb front-foot performance at Omloop Nieuwsblad to claim fifth place.
The Brit impressed throughout the tough, 197-kilometre event, positioning himself well with the help of his INEOS Grenadiers teammates.
Watson was present at the front of the race as the peloton split in two following the famed Molenberg sector, and was the third rider to crest the Muur as the race entered its closing stages.
After a strong lead-out from Josh Tarling, Watson opened up his sprint early in Ninove, holding on for an impressive top-five.
Tarling had been in the thick of the action prior to that, launching clear on his own with 51km to go across the Holleweg cobbled sector.
The Welshman opened up over 30 seconds on the chasing pack, but would eventually be reeled back in atop the Berendries climb with 31km remaining.
Tarling's presence up the road ensured Watson had an armchair ride in the lead chase group, alongside teammate Ben Turner.
🗣️ | "If we race like this then I'm sure we'll pick up a win at some point."@samuel_wats0n talks us through a 'chaotic' edition of #OHN25, from which he emerged with a top-five finish.
— INEOS Grenadiers (@INEOSGrenadiers) March 1, 2025
Brilliant ride today, Sam 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/LE0QEjFNXS