Tom Pidcock, the British cyclist who recently recovered from COVID-19, is aiming for his second consecutive gold medal in the mountain bike event in Paris. After testing positive for six days post-Tour de France, Pidcock has bounced back and is set to compete in Elancourt on Monday, 29th July, before leading Great Britain’s menโs squad in the road race on Saturday, 3rd August.
“It’s not the best course in the world, but it’s the same for everyone,” Pidcock told journalists, referring to the man-made gravel track at Elancourt Hill. Despite not being a fan of the course, he remains focused on the gold. “It’s bland, and I think they could have done a better job of making a more mountain bike course.”
Recovery and Readiness
Speaking from the Team GB hotel on the outskirts of Paris, Pidcock sounded optimistic about his recovery. “I’m fine,” he said succinctly. “The plan was always to finish the Tour; getting sick was not part of that plan, and we have to adapt to that.”
Pidcock and other riders completed a final recon ride of the Elancourt Hill circuit on Wednesday. Despite the rain soaking the course, he feels prepared. “I’m in a good place. I’m happy with where I am. I’ve recovered well.”
Road Race Strategy
The road race, with its rolling hills and small teams, presents a different challenge. “My main goal is the mountain bike race. I’m going to think about the road race on Tuesday,” Pidcock said. He recognises the unique dynamics of this year’s race, noting that the smaller teams could lead to a more open and aggressive race.
“It’s suited to the guys with raw power, the big sprinters like Van der Poel and Pedersen. But a guy like Remco Evenepoel can also go far because the teams are very small. It’s going to be quite a lot of maybe pretty unstructured.”
The Olympic Experience
Winning gold in the mountain bike race in Tokyo was a career highlight for Pidcock, who has long-term ambitions in Grand Tours as well. However, the focus this summer is more Olympic success. “Winning in Tokyo was one of those moments I’ll never forget,” he said. “The Olympics transcends cycling as a sport. The feeling of representing your country at the Olympics is not like anything else.”
Pidcock also sees the Olympics as a platform to inspire others. “It’s also a platform to inspire people. Personally, that means a lot to me, being able to inspire and give the right example, by setting an example.”
Main photo credit: Getty