Team GB Olympics gold medallist booed after thrilling mountain bike comeback triumph
Team GB have won a second gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Team GB cyclist Tom Pidcock was roundly jeered after sealing Team GB's second gold medal of the 2024 Paris Olympics. In a thrilling finale to the cross-country mountain bike race, Pidcock came into contact with Frenchman Victor Koretzky as he pulled off a thrilling overtaking manoeuvre at the end of the final lap.
And the home crowd reacted angrily, booing Pidcock as he celebrated gold.
Not that the 24-year-old seemed bothered as he celebrated his dramatic win, after somehow overturning a 39-second deficit between him and Korentzky.
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While leading the race on the third lap, Pidcock suffered a puncture which looked to have scuppered his chances. But he dug deep to mount a magnificent fightback, with British fans left angry at the lack of the respect from those in attendance.
"Unfortunately he was booed by the crowd at the finishing line, not good" wrote @Liklesis on X. "The French spectators should've been more respectful, it's a shame they forgot themselves in the heat of the moment."
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Sports fans can get Discovery+ for £3.99 a month until the end of 2024 via Amazon Prime's video channels. This also comes with an Amazon Prime 30-day free trial.
The crowd did at least remain respectful during the medal ceremony as God Save the King was played. And Pidcock himself later defended his gold medal winning move, arguing he was entitled to attack the space his rival had left.
"He left a gap and I had to go for it," he told the BBC. "But that's racing, some people might view it differently. But I want to show what sport is, not giving up. It's a shame the French were booing me, but you know.
"I knew that Victor was going to be super fast on the last lap, even if I couldn't get rid of him. So I knew it was going to be a big big fight."
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He also admitted to feeling emotional after his win. "It wasn't easy," he said. I'm keeping my glasses on for a reason. I think the Olympics is so special, you never give up and you have to give everything, that's what I had to do."
Pidcock's win signified a second gold medal in Paris for Team GB. Just hours earlier, the equestrian team of Laura Collett, Tom McEwen and Ros Canter triumphed in the three-day eventing.
