European champion Tom Pidcock turned on the style once again in the Telenet UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup with men’s U23 victory in the Czech Republic.
Just two weeks have passed since Pidcock donned the European winner’s jersey following his stunning performance – and a man in form once again showed what he is all about.
His performance was dominant in Tabor, leading from early on to take the line – with British teammates Dan Tulett and Thomas Mein also featuring in the top ten.
Meanwhile, Evie Richards – riding for trade team Trek Factory Racing – was the leading British female as her strong U23 season continued, coming home in 15th place in the women’s combined race.
Pidcock rules the roost in Tabor
Not even a gear problem at the start of the race could prevent Pidcock from taking top spot in Tabor.
Instead he showed just why he is European champion, slowly but surely moving his way up through the field as the race hit its stride.
By the final laps he had the chance to surge away all on his own to take the win, even afforded time to celebrate in style on the final ramp.
Victorious by 11 seconds, Italian national champion Jakob Dorigoni took second while third place went to Antoine Benoist.
There were also plenty of other British success, with Dan Tulett taking fifth and Thomas Mein finishing in sixth place, both within striking distance of the podium.
The Pidcock interest didn’t stop there, with Joseph leading the line in the men’s junior race in 29th place, two places ahead of compatriot Rory McGuire.
Jenson Young was in 33rd while Ben Tulett, who threatened the podium places early on, did not complete the race.
Richards overcomes early troubles
A troublesome circuit looked to throw riders off course in the women’s race, with a particular section of banking still frozen as footing proved hard to come by.
One of those affected was Evie Richards, struggling to get any early momentum into her race, with the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Under-23 series leader keen to maintain her strong form.
Back she came however, looking for a late push as the race developed – eventually crossing the line in 15th place overall.
That also proved enough to finish as the third fastest under-23 rider in her Trek Factory Racing kit, behind Dutch duo Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado and Fleur Nagengast.
Victory in the race itself went to another Netherlands rider in Lucinda Brand, with Britain’s Nikki Brammeier settling for 20th place.
Ffion James put in a strong ride for 23rd, three places ahead of Helen Wyman, while teenage trio Anna Flynn, Maddie Wadsworth and Katie Scott got some invaluable experience from the outing in the junior category.
