UCI Mountain Bike World Series 2023: Tom Pidcock opens cross-country season in style with emphatic victory

A masterclass from Britain's Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers) saw the Olympic gold medallist power to victory in the UCI Cross-country Short Track World Cup men’s elite race, as part of the UCI Mountain Bike World Series on Friday. Pidcock was fired up as he crossed the line to open his account in style with an emphatic celebration. Samuel Gaze (Alpecin-Deceuninck) of New Zealand came in second with Germany's Luca Schwartzbauer (Canyon CLLCTV) rounding out the podium.

Ad It was a quite stunning ride from Pidcock, who never looked as though he would allow himself to be denied on the final lap as he took a memorable win. UCI Mountain Bike World SeriesStigger snatches win after breathless XCC opener in Nove Mesto27 MINUTES AGO Having taken the decision to participate in the event only hours before it commenced, Pidcock started the race in last place, and with just two laps remaining, the Briton was still 22nd and never looked like threatening the riders at the front. But out of nowhere, Pidcock suddenly appeared in second having saved his best to last.

Schwarzbauer had held top spot for the majority of the race but the German was powerless to prevent Pidcock from taking the lead on the final left hand corner, holding off a desperate sprint from Sam Gaze (Alpecin–Deceuninck) to take the victory. Gaze got a bobble on the final corner which may have affected his final approach, but it was Pidcock's day, who celebrated with his arms out stretched. You might have sympathy for Schwarzbauer, who expanded so much energy only to seize the initiative when it really mattered.