The Tour de France has taken all the attention today, alongside the Tour de France Femmes, and so few would’ve realized that one of the winners of the day was Tom Pidcock. Currently undergoing a long period without racing on the road, the Olympic Champion has become European Mountain Biking European Champion for the second time in his career.
The Briton was victorious in Melgaço, Portugal, taking a comfortable victory ahead of his own compatriot Charlie Aldridge. Completing the podium was Simon Andreassen, ahead of a sequence of Swiss riders that all missed out on the podium.
This marks Pidcock’s second event and second victory of the season in Mountain Biking, taking into consideration he returned to racing in the Pal Arinsal World Cup event which took place near his home in Andorra. Pidcock could be aiming for the World Championships later in the year, as last year he wasn’t able to defend his title.
In the women’s race it was Sweden’s Jenny Rissveds putting on a stellar performance which saw her dominate the race from start to finish. Youngster Evie Richards was her closest competitor, but finished 1:18 minutes behind the 31-year old. Nicole Koller saved the day for Switzerland with a bronze medal when it came to the elite ranks.