At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Team GB won its second gold medal. Mountain bike rider Tom Pidcock pipped the French rider at the post, but French fans did not let the British athlete enjoy the moment for too long.
Pidcock Booed
French fans booed Great Britain’s Tom Pidcock after he won Team GB’s second gold medal of the games.
Successful Day for Brits
Despite a terrific day that saw Team GB climb up the medal table, French fans at the mountain biking course had a strong message for the British rider.
Fans Throw Objects
Some fans even threw objects at Pidcock as he rode past the finish line of the mountain biking event in Elancourt Hill.
Head-to-Head Finish
One fan thought it a good idea to launch a water bottle missile at the 24-year-old after his thrilling finish that went head-to-head with the French rider.
Puncturing Title Chances
Pidcock hit a rock that punctured his tyre halfway through the race, adding 40 seconds to his time, but that didn’t stop him from defeating the French rider.
Controversial Finish
Towards the end of the course, Tom Pidcock and home rider Victor Koretzky were neck and neck and repeatedly overtook each other, but there was some controversy.
Brushing Sides
Pidcock saw an opening and brushed Koretzky on his way past, causing unrest in the French crowd as Pidcock raced across the finish to claim the country’s second gold.
Double Olympic Champion
Despite losing 40 seconds while his team changed Pidcock’s punctured tyre, the Brit still claimed his second gold medal in two Olympic games.
Booing National Anthem
The crowd became hostile, with many booing the national anthem, ‘God Save the King,’ as Pidcock stood on the podium and claimed his prize.
“Spirit of the Olympics”
“The boos are a shame because that’s not really the spirit of the Olympics. But I do understand that the French are very passionate, they wanted Victor to win,” Pidcock stated after the win.
Questioned on Controversy
After Pidcock and Koretzky lightly brushed sides, Pidcock was asked whether he feared a protest from the passionate French support.
“I Wasn’t Worried”
“I wasn’t worried,” Pidcock said, “I didn’t do anything wrong. I was in front. He left the door open. We were racing for a gold medal. I wanted to win as much as he did.”
Clarifying the Situation
“He could have also gone left, and I would have gone right. In this position, you don’t hesitate. The gap was there and I was going for it,” Pidcock explained.
Emotional Olympian Defies French Boos
Pidcock was visibly emotional after the race, claiming, “I am keeping my glasses on for a reason,” after embracing his family and girlfriend.
Never Giving Up
“I think the Olympics is so special and…you never give up so you give everything, that’s what I had to do,” Pidcock continued.
Pidcock Takes Dig at French Course
Pidcock had previously tested the French mountain bike fans when he claimed the course at Élancourt Hill was less than satisfactory.
A “Bland” Course
“It’s not the best course in the world but it’s the same for everyone,” Pidcock claimed, “It’s bland. I think they could have done a better job of making a more mountain-bike course.”
Team GB’s Second Gold
Pidcock became only the second Brit to claim a gold medal at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, which proved to be a highly successful day for Team GB.
Team GB on the Rise
Just hours after Team GB’s equestrian team won gold, Pidcock won his race, propelling Team GB up to 7th in the medal table.
French Attitudes
The French attitude towards the British mountain bike rider shows the hostility that athletes face, especially when they step on the toes of the home athletes.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rini Kools.