Oliver Solvhoj 'over the moon' after edging Dario Lillo to victory at U23 UCI Cross-country Olympic World Cup

Denmark’s Oliver Solvhoj produced a superb performance to pip Dario Lillo of Switzerland to the line in a thrilling two-man battle for U23 men’s glory at the UCI cross-country Olympic World Cup, part of the UCI Mountain Bike World Series. Solvhoj finished the opening lap of the seven in first place and remained part of the leading group throughout, his rivals dropping off one by one to create a climactic two-horse race with Lillo.

Ad The Dane steadily increased his lead over Lillo to leave him with time to high five spectators at Nove Mesto na Morave and punch the air in celebration as he crossed the line in 1:08.09. UCI Mountain Bike World SeriesPidcock 'wanted to start behind' after timing sprint victory to perfection21 HOURS AGO “Just incredible," Solvhoj told Eurosport.

«It’s still coming to my mind. Just flat out racing all day, so just a general good weekend for me and I’m over the moon with this one.» Lillo finished as runner-up, four seconds behind, after a late sprint failed to make up time lost in the tricky climbs and technical descents of the 3.1km course in the Czech Republic.

Tom Schellekens of the Netherlands came out on top of a hard-fought battle for the third and final podium place. Pidcock 'wanted to start behind' after timing sprint victory to perfection Pidcock produces resounding victory in UCI Mountain Bike World Series opener Stigger basks in 'incredible' win after XCC thriller in Nove Mesto The Dutchman finished 41 seconds off Solvhoj’s pace, but crucially four seconds ahead of Ukrainian Oleksandr Hudyma and 14 seconds in front of New Zealander Matthew Wilson.

Luca Martin of France crossed the line in sixth, with Britain’s Peter Blackmore in seventh. Andreas Vittone of Italy, Germany’s Emil