![Britain’s Tom Pidcock snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in a dramatic finish, edging out a French rival in the final lap, to retain the mountain bike title he won at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Pidcock, who turns 25 on Tuesday (July 30) was leading when he was forced to stop for a wheel change after a puncture on the fourth lap. Competitors whizzed by, but he caught up with them and surged ahead in a bravura display of talent and resolve. Pidcock prevailed after a thrilling battle with the Frenchman Victory Koretzky. They went wheel to wheel on the final – and eighth lap – around the 4.4 km circuit. In a wooded section of the Elencourt Hill course with trees peppering the middle of the track, Pidcock dived down the inside lane and emerged at the next bend half a wheel in front. They came together and made contact, Koretzky’s left foot was briefly dislodged from his pedal, and Pidcock sped away to glory, winning the race with a time of a time of 1:26:22, Koretzky just nine seconds behind him. He fell into the arms of his family at the finish line, as some in the French crowd booed him. They were disappointed their compatriot finished second, but as Pidcock said, “I’m sorry for [Koretzky], the support for him was incredible, but it’s the Olympics. You have to go all in.” Tom Pidcock](https://sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/sportsry.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/30090423/Untitled-design.jpg)
Britain’s Tom Pidcock snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in a dramatic finish, edging out a French rival in the final lap, to retain the mountain bike title he won at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Pidcock, who turns 25 on Tuesday (July 30), was leading when he was forced to stop for a wheel change after a puncture on the fourth lap. Competitors whizzed by, but he caught up with them and surged ahead in a bravura display of talent and resolve.
Pidcock prevailed after a thrilling battle with the Frenchman Victory Koretzky.
They went wheel to wheel on the final – and eighth lap – around the 4.4 km circuit.
In a wooded section of the Elencourt Hill course with trees peppering the middle of the track, Pidcock dived down the inside lane and emerged at the next bend half a wheel in front. They came together and made contact. Koretzky’s left foot was briefly dislodged from his pedal, and Pidcock sped away to glory, winning the race with a time of 1:26:22, Koretzky just nine seconds behind him.
Pidcock fell into the arms of his family at the finish line, as some in the French crowd booed him. They were disappointed their compatriot finished second, but as Pidcock said, “I’m sorry for [Koretzky], the support for him was incredible, but it’s the Olympics. You have to go all in.”
South Africa’s Alan Hatherly won bronze.
Related post: Tom Pidcock: Reigning cross-country Olympic mountain bike champion