Tom Pidcock of Great Britain delivered a masterclass in mountain biking, clinching the gold medal at the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup cross-country race in Andorra. The race, held in the challenging terrain of Pal Arinsal, saw Pidcock overcome a fourth-row start to dominate the competition.

Pidcock, a double Olympic champion, swiftly moved into the lead group by the second lap. He then overtook Luca Martin, the French champion, who suffered a mechanical fault, further extending Pidcock's lead. Crossing the finish line in 1 hour, 20 minutes, and 30 seconds, Pidcock secured his eighth World Cup XCO victory.

Charlie Aldridge, another British rider, claimed the bronze medal, adding to Great Britain's impressive performance. Pidcock, who resides in Andorra, expressed his joy at winning what he considers a 'home race.'

"It's super nice to finally win here - kind of a home race - after a few years coming here," said Pidcock. "Not an easy place to race, that's for sure. Racing at this height [Pal Arinsal village sits at 1,550m altitude], it's not like you can find more oxygen anywhere."

Pidcock's victory was marked by his strategic approach and resilience. "The lack of experience in the races this year certainly played in my favour. I didn't puncture, I didn't have any problems," he added. "I was most nervous about the start, obviously if I went backwards from the fourth row, I would have been really far back."

Looking ahead, Pidcock is unlikely to participate in more Mountain Bike World Cups this year or the World Championships in September, as he shifts his focus to the Vuelta a Espana, where he aims for overall victory.

In the women's race, Evie Richards, a former world champion from Great Britain, finished sixth, showcasing her enduring talent in the sport.