Pidcock Wins Second Mountain Bike World Title in Italy
Tom Pidcock won the men's cross-country mountain bike world championship in Val di Sole, Italy, beating teammate Charlie Aldridge by 17 seconds. The 26-year-old made a decisive move on the penultimate lap after starting 34th. Canadian Cole Punchard finished third, while Mathieu van der Poel placed 30th.
Pidcock's victory came despite a difficult buildup, as he crashed during Friday practice and felt back pain from the opening lap. His late entry to the event followed a road season that included ninth place at the Tour de France, and he had not raced mountain bikes since May. The win adds to a remarkable career haul that includes two Olympic golds, a cyclocross world title, and major road victories such as Strade Bianche and a Tour de France stage on Alpe d'Huez.
The 26-year-old dedicated the win to Finlay Tarling, a 19-year-old British rider killed at the Volta a Portugal this month, and to Tarling's brother Josh, a former Pidcock teammate. In the women's race, Sina Frei of Switzerland claimed a surprise title after pre-race favorite Jenny Rissveds faded early, finishing ahead of Italy's Martina Berta and Switzerland's Nicole Koller.
This result may reinforce British cycling's depth across disciplines, particularly as Pidcock plans to shift focus toward road racing before returning to mountain biking for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. His success could inspire younger riders to pursue multi-disciplinary careers, while the emotional tribute to Finlay Tarling may draw renewed attention to rider safety in stage racing. The event's Italian setting and strong European podium presence could also boost regional interest in mountain biking as a spectator sport.