The incredible moment Team GB’s Tom Pidcock is booed as he claims cross-country mountain bike gold after stunning comeback – as he hits out at French fans after dramatically beating home favourite Victor Koretzky
Tom Pidcock has criticised French fans who booed him after he won gold in the Olympic men’s mountain bike race.
The Team GB cyclist overtook favourite Vitor Koretzky in a daring move on the final lap to defend his Olympic title in dramatic fashion after recovering from a puncture earlier in the week.
Pidcock was booed by partisan supporters as he crossed the finish line at Elancourt Hill, and there was some boos during his victory ceremony.
The 24-year-old said: ‘It’s a shame the French booed me. It’s not really the spirit of the Olympics. But I understand the French are very passionate, they wanted Victor to win.
‘That was understandable. But they didn’t boo the stone that punctured me.’
Pidcock took the lead in stunning fashion when he dramatically overtook Frenchman Victor Koretzky
Of his final attempt to win the race, Pidcock added: ‘He left a gap and I had to go for it. Ultimately I had to go for a grinding race gap – that’s what I’ve always done – and the Olympics are no different.
“I feel sorry for him, the support for him has been incredible, but it’s the Olympics, you have to give it your all.”
Pidcock and Koretzky battled for the lead on the final lap of a dramatic race at Elancourt Hill.
The reigning champion had overtaken Koretzky after making up a 40-second deficit following an earlier puncture.
Koretzky launched an attack on the final lap to briefly distance himself from Pidcock, but the 24-year-old came back and closed the gap again.
Pidcock also received some boos from French fans when he took to the stage
The British star took the lead in stunning fashion by taking a lead on a narrow section as his rivals took different routes.
Pidcock and Koretzky nearly collided, but avoided a crash. However, the move proved crucial: the Briton managed to free the Frenchman and raced to the finish, winning gold.
However, the French crowd booed Pidcock as he crossed the finish line nine seconds ahead of Koretzky, giving the home crowd favourite silver.