Tom Pidcock Slams ‘Bland’ Paris 2024 Olympic Mountain Bike Course

Reigning Olympic champion Tom Pidcock has launched a scathing attack on the Paris 2024 Olympic mountain biking course, branding it “bland” and questioning the organizers’ decision-making. The British star, who clinched gold in Tokyo three years ago and is the reigning UCI world cross-country champion, expressed his disappointment with the suburban Élancourt course, located west of Paris.

“It’s not the best course in the world, but it’s the same for everyone,” Pidcock said. “We love mountain biking for the reasons that drive us to enjoy it for what it is. That’s the courses you get to ride, the places you get to go to. When you just gravel over a nice hillside, it’s not really mountain biking.”

Pidcock’s teammate, Evie Richards, echoed his sentiments, calling for a more natural course with fewer man-made features. “I’d have it more natural, with a lot more natural features, rather than man-made,” she said. “But I think we normally see that at Olympic Games. When we race World Cups, we’re normally in the Alps somewhere, somewhere in a nice ski resort. This is super close to the city centre.”

Josh Tarling: The Golden Boy of British Cycling

While the mountain bikers expressed their discontent, the spotlight turned to Josh Tarling, the 20-year-old sensation tipped to win gold in the men’s time trial. The Aberaeron rider has been hailed as the fastest cyclist over the 32.4km course, which includes a challenging stretch of Parisian cobblestones.

“I know I have done everything I can,” Tarling said. “As long as I am happy with my ride, I will be happy. I am a favourite for this but in terms of names, Remco was flying on the Tour [de France] and won the first time trial.”

Despite being the favorite, Tarling admitted that the city center course was not ideal. “For it to be really perfect for me it would be good to be twistier,” he said. “The road is quite bumpy at the start and finish because of resurfacing and potholes, but it is going to be fun.”

Anna Henderson Aims for Historic Medal

British hopes for a cycling medal rest on Anna Henderson, who competes in the women’s road race on Saturday. The double national time trial champion has a strong track record and is considered a medal contender.

Henderson’s main rivals include Chloé Dygert, Demi Vollering, and Lotte Kopecky. However, the Dutch rider Ellen van Dijk faces a challenging task after fracturing her ankle six weeks ago. Despite the injury, she remains determined to compete.

As the cycling events kick off in Paris, the world will be watching to see if Great Britain can add to its medal tally. With a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars, the British team is poised to make a significant impact.