Team GB Olympic champion Tom Pidcock challenged ED Balls after the GMB presenter suggested that mountain biking appeared ‘easy’.
At just 24 years old, the cycling superstar has claimed two gold medals, with a remarkable win against French athlete Victor Koretzky on July 29.
He also etched his name in history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by securing Great Britain’s inaugural medal in mountain biking.
During his appearance on Good Morning Britain today, Pidcock showcased his Paris 2024 Gold Medal with pride.
‘This was my primary goal of the year,’ the Yorkshire-born Olympic champion shared with presenters Ed Balls and Kate Garraway, ‘To succeed in Paris. It’s definitely a huge relief.’
Tom Pidcock (pictured) smiled when Ed Balls said he had called mountain biking ‘easy’
Ed Balls (pictured) said it was ’embarrassing’ that he called the sport easy. He said, ‘Of course, it’s not easy’
Responding, Ed Balls remarked: ‘I would love to know, as I watched the race live and saw it on TV, that I embarrassingly stated on the show last week that it looked somewhat easy.
‘Yet, it is certainly not easy, is it?’
Pidcock chuckled slightly in disbelief and replied: ‘Someone showed me a clip of that just before I came on.’
The studio erupted into laughter, with Kate Garraway asking: ‘Do you want to confront him about that?’
However, Ed Balls continued speaking before Pidcock had a chance to reply.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain today, Pidcock sat proudly wearing his Paris 2024 Gold Medal
Tom Pidcock also spoke about how he prepares for a race, saying that he does lots of practice laps
The cycling star, 24, has two gold medals under his belt having made history at the Tokyo Olympics
He inquired how the mountain biker prepares for each race, which can vary each time.
The Olympic champion responded: ‘Practice laps, I suppose.
‘The race was on Monday, and I believe practice started on Thursday.
‘I went on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday for practice laps.’
‘So, you always have a good understanding of the course throughout the race?’ Balls asked.
‘Definitely,’ replied Pidcock.
Team GB gold medal winner Tom Pidcock was booed as he crossed the finish line in the Olympic men’s mountain bike race
In an emotional video, the gold medalist said: ‘It’s a shame the French were booing me’
Tom Pidcock defended his Olympic cross-country mountain bike gold in dramatic fashion
Pidcock faced boos from the crowd after defeating the local favorite in the Olympic men’s mountain bike race.
He executed a bold overtaking move on the final lap to defend his Olympic title after recovering from an early puncture on July 29.
Jeers from supporters were audible as Pidcock crossed the finish line at Elancourt Hill, and some boos continued during his medal ceremony.
In a heartfelt video, the gold medalist expressed: ‘It’s unfortunate the French supporters booed me. That’s not the true spirit of the Olympics. However, I recognize the French are very passionate and wanted Victor to win.
‘That’s understandable. Yet, they didn’t boo the rock that caused my puncture.’
Pidcock, a Yorkshire native, started biking at three years old, which explains his remarkable achievement of two gold medals at such a young age. He participated in his first official race at seven.
Although born in Leeds, it remains unclear if the two-time Olympic gold medallist still lives there.
What is known about his personal life is that he is in a committed relationship with Bethany Louise Zajac.
Bethany is a project manager and interior designer.
The couple shares two long-haired dachshunds, Chestnut and Acorn, and the furry friends even have their own Instagram account showcasing their adventures.
His girlfriend was in attendance to cheer on the Englishman as he crossed the finish-line
Pidcock is in a relationship with project manager Bethany Louise Zajac (pictured)
The loved up couple share two dogs together, two dachshund’s named Chestnut and Acorn
This reflects everything from supporting Tom during the Tour de France to enjoying family outings.
The couple is believed to have been together for over five years, having celebrated their milestone anniversary back in April.
Given Tom’s profession and lifestyle, it’s no surprise that the couple often travels the globe, with Bethany hinting that their two main residences are in Yorkshire and Andorra.
The project manager frequently shares updates and encouraging messages for her cyclist boyfriend on social media during various events she attends.
Bethany also shares their travel experiences on her Instagram, from adventures with their two dogs to skiing trips in Andorra and exploring the beautiful landscapes in Switzerland.
They also share a passion for cycling, with Bethany often posting pictures on her Instagram while cycling and discovering the countryside of the different countries they visit.
