Just before 4:30 PM Paris time, as the final strains of God Save the King faded away, mechanic Rune Kristensen was carefully returning the most treasured artifact in British cycling to its truck. The Pinarello bike that Tom Pidcock used to secure Olympic gold remained adorned with a fine film of warm dust, the No 1 affixed to its front, its gears still set as they were during the race. Pidcock’s personal motto, “Play your cards right,” was emblazoned in red, white, and blue on the stem.
Cycling is a sport where fortunes can shift in moments, where victories are never guaranteed, and no battle is ever truly lost. Pidcock, known for turning the unthinkable into reality, understands this better than most. Presented with an unfavorable situation, he faced a challenging home crowd and dealt with a flat tire, yet he triumphed remarkably.
It was a ride built on raw, exhilarating instinct—a refreshing reminder that in the unpredictability of competitive cross-country biking, sometimes the best strategy is to have none at all. Pidcock, who has triumphed on the snowy heights of Alpe d’Huez and the dusty roads of Strade Bianche, now stands victorious amid the lush woodlands of Paris—a cyclist embodying the romantic ethos of a bygone era, a time when racing was simply about getting on your bike and pushing yourself to the limit.
However, specialization will eventually find its way to Pidcock. With his second gold medal secured and his prime competitive years ahead, the path seems clear for him to prepare for the Tour with Ineos Grenadiers, embarking on the meticulous journey of transforming himself into a pure climbing machine. Yet here, amidst the stumps and dirt, is where his bold skill set truly shines, producing moments of vivid spectacle.
Elancourt Hill—a site of a former landfill quarry just outside Paris—is hardly what one would call a traditional mountain bike course. As Pidcock bluntly noted last week, it’s simply “gravel over a nice hillside.” Nevertheless, it offers breathtaking views of the city and an electrifying spectator experience. Fans began to climb the hill early, braving the oppressive heat, claiming their spots along the rugged trails, relishing the rare thrill of watching an Olympic athlete zoom by just inches away.
At one point, it seemed as though this race might turn into a drawn-out procession, with Pidcock stretching the field until only he remained. However, a twist occurred! As Pidcock battled against Victor Koretzky of France at the end of the third lap, he encountered a puncture. Yet, in three fortunate aspects, he was lucky: it was a front wheel, easier to replace; he was near the tech zone; and he had ample time to get back on track.
As Kristensen attached the new wheel, Pidcock calmly consumed a gel, gazing distantly, reevaluating his new hand of cards. This capacity to remain composed, to think on his feet, and to manage setbacks with a serene demeanor is as much a gift as his physical prowess. Contracting Covid shortly before the Olympics and fracturing his collarbone two months prior were unexpected challenges; but here he was—forty seconds behind, yet resolute—he surged back into contention with a fierce, relentless pace.
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Thus, we arrive at the final lap, paving the way for the showdown on the hill—a thrilling contest, truly a Great Olympic Moment. Koretzky, ranked world No 1 and a multiple World Cup champion, kept pace with Pidcock on the grueling climb at the start of the lap, even taking the lead at the last feed zone. In that moment, Pidcock could have easily panicked, launching into a desperate gamble that might have led to a fall.
Instead, with mere seconds to spare, he spotted a passage through the trees and skillfully maneuvered his way through, narrowly clipping Koretzky’s heel. This moment was, in many ways, a mastering act of Total Cycling: exhibiting endurance, patience, exceptional bike-handling, raw speed, and an astonishing burst of courage.
That dusty Pinarello bike will soon find a prominent place in Pidcock’s home in Andorra. He keeps all his championship bikes, jerseys, and race numbers, highlighting his appreciation for history and legacy. This is why he aimed to defend his title, this is why a Tour de France contender still rides through muddy terrains, and this is why a gold medal favorite calmly consumes an energy gel while a race-terminating puncture is being addressed. Pidcock understands that true greatness isn’t solely about victories achieved; it’s about the unforgettable experiences gathered along the way.
