Group GB mountain biker Tom Pidcock efficiently defended his Olympic mountain biking title in dramatic vogue on Monday, recovering from a mid-race puncture to say the second gold medal of his profession.

Pidcock completed 9 seconds away from house favorite Victor Koretzky, sparking boos amongst French followers on the end line.

The British rider suffered a puncture earlier within the race that threatened to derail his bid to defend the title he received on his Olympic debut in Tokyo.

Nevertheless, he raced ahead and closed the hole alongside South Africa’s Alan Hatherley, establishing a tense finale alongside Koretzky.

“It was all going fairly properly and I knew that Victor can be robust and it might not be straightforward as we speak, after which the puncture occurred,” Pidcock mentioned.

“We weren’t prepared within the pits however he did a quick change and I knew at that time that I had 5 laps and thought something was doable.”

It was pure battle-of-the-will racing. The pair exchanged pole place at the least 3 times on the ultimate climb, producing a nail-biting second when Pidcock overtook Koretzky by taking a special line that just about noticed them crash.

When the 24-year-old crossed the road, he stretched out his arms and punched the air earlier than collapsing into his household’s arms. For his half, Koretzky did the identical and appeared visibly emotional.

“In the long run, I simply needed to go for a niche, that is racing and is what I’ve at all times executed and the Olympics is just not totally different,” Pidcock mentioned. “I am sorry for him, the assist for him was unimaginable however it’s the Olympics so you have to go all in.

“It wasn’t straightforward, I am holding my glasses on for a motive. The Olympics is so particular, you by no means quit, it’s worthwhile to give the whole lot,”

The Brit’s feat is made all of the extra spectacular given his preparations had been hampered by a bout of Covid-19 that noticed him withdraw from the Tour de France.

Pidcock’s Group GB colleague Charlie Aldridge completed eighth within the race. The gold medal was Group GB’s second of the day and Olympics after the eventing staff received gold on the Palace of Versailles.

Pidcock could have an opportunity to win one other medal within the males’s street race on Saturday.