He survived a puncture and a collision with his arch-rival. Even the booing of the home fans did not stop Pidcock – OH Paris 2024 – Summer Olympics

British representative in mountain biking Thomas Pidcock defended the gold medal in cross-country at the Olympic Games in Paris. Even the puncture did not slow him down and he won with a lead of nine seconds ahead of the home Frenchman Victor Koretzký, the bronze was won by South African Alan Hatherly.

Thomas Pidcock allowed himself a triumphant gesture at the end.

The competition brought an exciting fight between Pidcock and Koretzky. The British all-rounder, who in addition to the gold from Tokyo also has the world title in his collection, suffered a puncture in the fourth of eight 4.4 km long laps around Elancourt Hill and had to change the front wheel.

He gained a deficit of 35 seconds on the home competitor. However, he was able to erase the loss and in the final lap he was close behind his rival. Pidcock decided the duel shortly before the end after a hard fight, he chose the left track in the technical passage and got a few centimeters ahead of Koretzký.

When the tracks subsequently converged, the two cyclists collided. Pidcock handled the situation and moved away from his opponent, who was slowed down by the collision. The Briton had already secured the lead and finally triumphed in 1:26:22 h.

“It was clear to me that it would not be easy today. In the end, it was really fast with Victor. The spectators supported him significantly, I couldn’t shake him at all.

It’s a shame that the fans booed me, that’s really not the spirit of Olympism. But I understand it a bit, the French fans are passionate,” said Pidcock.