Tom Pidcock has voiced his disappointment towards the French fans who booed him during his gold medal victory in the Olympic men’s mountain bike race.
The Team GB cyclist skillfully overtook home favorite Vitor Koretzky in a bold maneuver on the last lap to successfully defend his Olympic title, despite overcoming an early puncture.
Pidcock faced jeers from the local supporters as he crossed the finish line at Elancourt Hill and even experienced some boos during the medal presentation.
The 24-year-old commented: ‘It’s unfortunate that the French fans were booing me. That doesn’t embody the spirit of the Olympics. However, I realize that the French are extremely passionate and wanted Victor to win.
‘That sentiment is understandable. But they didn’t boo the rock that caused my puncture.’
Pidcock took the lead in stunning fashion as he dramatically overtook France’s Victor Koretzky
Regarding his last-minute strategy to clinch victory, Pidcock remarked: ‘There was a gap and I had to seize the opportunity. Ultimately, I had to take a rubbing-is-racing approach – that’s always been my style, and the Olympics is no exception.
‘I feel sorry for him; the support for him was remarkable, but this is the Olympics; it requires total commitment.’
Pidcock and Koretzky fiercely contended for the lead during the final lap of a thrilling race at Elancourt Hill.
As the defending champion, Pidcock had dramatically regained ground on Koretzky after overcoming a 40-second gap due to his earlier puncture.
Koretzky made a decisive attack on the last lap, briefly pulling away from Pidcock, yet the 24-year-old managed to close the gap again.
Pidcock had also received some boos from French fans as he took to the podium
With a dramatic maneuver, the British athlete secured the lead by carefully navigating a tight section of the track as competitors took different paths.
Although Pidcock and Koretzky nearly collided, they narrowly avoided a crash; this pivotal moment allowed the Brit to surge ahead to clinch gold, finishing nine seconds ahead of Koretzky, who took the silver medal. The crowd’s mixed reactions included boos directed at Pidcock as he crossed the finish line.
