Britain’s Tom Pidcock claimed the elite cross-country title at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships on Sunday in Val di Sole, Italy, demonstrating his versatility just a month after finishing ninth in the Tour de France. The 27-year-old from Leeds overcame a challenging start, beginning the race in 35th position, and methodically moved up through the field on the technical and narrow course.

Pidcock initially trailed fellow road cyclist Mathieu van der Poel, who eventually finished 30th, before making significant progress during the eight-lap race. It took him six laps to join the lead group, which included British teammate Charlie Aldridge. After a brief period to recover, Pidcock surged ahead on a steep climb, gradually distancing himself from his rivals.

As the race unfolded, the lead pack thinned out, with nobody able to match Pidcock’s pace. The reigning 2023 cross-country world champion and double Olympic gold medallist broke clear during the final two laps, repeatedly attacking on the course’s steep hills. Aldridge managed to stay close initially but was eventually dropped as Pidcock extended his advantage to more than 20 seconds by the finish line.

Pidcock celebrated by raising his Pinarello bike overhead and shared an emotional moment with the crowd. Aldridge secured second place, finishing 17 seconds behind his teammate, completing a British one-two finish.

Speaking after the race, Pidcock dedicated his victory to Finlay Tarling, a 19-year-old rider who died earlier this month while competing in the Volta a Portugal. He also acknowledged Josh Tarling, Finlay’s brother and a rider for Pidcock’s former team, Netcompany Ineos, who had recently participated in La Vuelta to honour his sibling. “I don’t have many words, to be honest,” Pidcock said. “To see Josh start the Vuelta was incredible.”

Pidcock indicated that he plans to reduce his focus on mountain biking next year in favor of road racing but intends to return to mountain biking ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Despite last competing on a mountain bike at Nove Mesto in May, the discipline remains his original passion.