TOM PIDCOCK thrillingly retained his mountain bike cross-country Olympic title – despite suffering from a puncture.
Two weeks after he was forced to quit the Tour de France after being struck down by Covid, the Leeds rider, 24, claimed back-to-back gold medals.
As temperatures topped 28 degrees, Pidcock led the race after three laps but then surrendered 36 seconds when his front wheel burst and he needed mechanics to fit a replacement.
The officials raced around desperately to fix the issue but Pidcock remained relaxed and was not waving his arm around in anger.
Amazingly, he fought his way back through the field to overtake Frenchman Victor Koretzky and also held off South Africa rival Alan Hatherly.
On the final lap, he battled with Koretzky – the pair exchanged the lead a few times – and it got so fierce that they collided.
That proved decisive as Pidcock used his momentum to power past the home.
The way he managed to put aside the tyre mishap and claim the glory is testament to his character and his mountain biking skills.
There was a wonderful image of him taking on a jump as he had a water bottle in his mouth.
This victory represents Britain’s first individual gold medal of the Paris Olympics.
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But he will not have much time to rest as he has the road race to target on Saturday.
When Pidcock won the title in Tokyo, albeit with no fans on the course due to Covid restrictions, the result happened just two months after being hit by a CAR.
The gravely Elancourt Hill course – riders have to negotiate eight laps – was bone dry and was described pre-event as “bland” by Pidcock.
Well, it was a case of BLAND of Hope and Glory for the Ineos Grenadiers cyclist.
His medal exploits follow Laura Collett securing Britain’s first gold of the games in the evening jumping team final.
Team GB’s great day also saw Tom Daley and Noah Williams win silver in the men’s synchronised 10m diving platform.
More to follow.
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