Tom Pidcock delivered an unforgettable performance at the 2025 Pal Arinsal UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, securing a commanding victory in the Cross Country Olympic (XCO) race on Sunday, July 13. The 25-year-old British rider, who is a double Olympic gold medallist and current reigning Olympic champion in the discipline, showcased his immense talent and resilience by storming from a fourth-row start to cross the finish line solo in one hour, 20 minutes, and 30 seconds on a challenging rain-soaked course in Andorra.
This victory marked Pidcock's eighth World Cup XCO win out of just 11 starts, a testament to his remarkable versatility and skill on the mountain bike. Despite limited race experience this season, having focused primarily on road cycling with his new Q36.5 Pro Cycling team, Pidcock's comeback to mountain biking was nothing short of spectacular. Wearing his distinctive white-and-gold skinsuit honoring his Olympic title, he tackled the technical rock sections and punchy climbs with confident aggression while testing new equipment.
The race unfolded dramatically on the rugged Pal Arinsal trails, situated at an altitude of 1,550 meters, where the thin air posed an additional challenge. After a somewhat shaky start, Pidcock quickly made his way through the pack, moving into the lead group by the second lap of the eight-lap race. Among the lead group was France's Luca Martin, the national champion and recent short-track race winner, who initially stayed within 15 seconds of Pidcock.
Pidcock then unleashed a powerful attack to overtake Martin by the halfway mark, seizing control of the race. The British star's mastery of wide passing lines and technical descents allowed him to carve out a lead that grew steadily. Martin suffered a mechanical issue on the sixth lap, including a puncture that forced a wheel change, costing him nearly a minute and effectively ending his chances of victory. Despite a valiant effort to regain ground on lap seven, Martin could not close the gap and ultimately finished second, 21 seconds behind Pidcock, earning his first career World Cup podium.
Fellow Briton Charlie Aldridge, riding for Cannondale Factory Racing, emerged from the chasing pack to claim third place, finishing 52 seconds off the lead. Aldridge’s podium finish further highlighted the strength of British mountain biking at the event. Meanwhile, Pidcock’s performance equaled the MTB World Cup win record previously held by former Tour de France winner Cadel Evans, cementing his place among the sport’s elite.
Reflecting on his triumph, Pidcock expressed his joy at finally winning in Andorra, a place he considers a home race after living there for much of the year. "It's super nice to finally win here — kind of a home race — after a few years coming here," he said. "Not an easy place to race, that's for sure. Racing at this height, it's not like you can find more oxygen anywhere." The high altitude added a grueling factor to the race, demanding exceptional fitness and acclimatization.
Pidcock also credited his clean run and lack of mechanical troubles to his limited racing experience this season. "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 noted. "I was most nervous about the start, obviously if I went backward from the fourth row, I would have been really far back!" His nerves at the start were well-founded, but his aggressive and calculated riding quickly erased any disadvantage.
This victory also marked Pidcock's first mountain bike race with his new team, Q36.5 Pro Cycling, after a season focused on road racing, including recent top 10 stage finishes at the Giro d'Italia. Despite his success on the dirt, Pidcock does not anticipate racing any more Mountain Bike World Cups this year. He also confirmed that he will miss the upcoming World Championships in Valais, Switzerland, due to a scheduling conflict with the Vuelta a España, where he plans to contest the overall victory.
The 2025 Pal Arinsal World Cup was the 10th edition of this prestigious mountain bike event, and Pidcock's win provided a thrilling climax. His dominant solo ride demonstrated not only physical strength but also tactical savvy and technical prowess. Starting from 14th position after the first lap, he steadily gained ground, joining the lead group early and then breaking away decisively.
Other notable performances included Great Britain's former world champion Evie Richards, who finished sixth in the women's race, and New Zealand's Samara Maxwell, who claimed the women's elite victory. Alessandra Keller of Switzerland and Rio 2016 Olympic champion Jenny Rissveds completed the women's podium, underscoring the international depth of talent at the event.
The men's elite final standings saw Pidcock first, followed by Luca Martin and Charlie Aldridge. The fourth and fifth places were claimed by Mathis Azzaro (Origine Racing Division) and Luca Braidot (Wilier–Vittoria Factory Team), respectively. The race also featured strong competitors like Christopher Blevins from Specialized Factory Racing, who despite finishing 29th, maintained his overall World Cup points lead.
Looking ahead, the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup series will continue with its seventh round scheduled for August 28-31 in Les Gets, France, a venue known for its demanding terrain and passionate fanbase. Pidcock, however, has indicated that his focus will shift back to road racing for the remainder of the season, aiming to balance his dual-discipline career carefully.
Tom Pidcock’s win in Andorra was more than just a race victory; it was a statement of his enduring talent and versatility across cycling disciplines. His ability to transition seamlessly between mountain biking and road racing, while performing at the highest level in both, continues to captivate fans and experts alike. As he prepares for the upcoming road challenges, the mountain bike community will eagerly await his return to the dirt next season.
For now, Pidcock’s commanding ride at the Pal Arinsal World Cup stands as a highlight of the 2025 mountain biking calendar, a thrilling display of skill, determination, and tactical brilliance on one of the sport’s toughest courses.
