A Team GB cyclist was booed by spectators after he crossed the line to win the Paris Olympics mountain bike race.
Tom Pidcock won his team's second gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics after claiming victory in mountain biking.
In an incredible battle with France’s Victor Koretzky, the 25-year-old fought back from a puncture and a botched wheel change to seize the medal.
But his triumph was not meant with cheers as disgruntled French fans jeered him as he crossed the finish line and celebrated his victory.
As previously mentioned, the defending Olympic and world champion - who was in the lead - was forced to undergo a wheel change on the third of eight 4.4km laps, which dropped him down to ninth and 40 seconds off the lead, according to The Independent.
However, Pidcock persevered and raced back through the field before passing by the French favorite, Koretzky - with some even believing that Pidcock may have hit Koretzky's wheel. (Although, some social media users believe Koretzky is actually to blame.)
“This is what makes the Olympics to me, the fact that it’s bigger than cycling,” Pidcock said, three years after winning his first gold in Tokyo. “People back home, they get into the Olympic spirit, they celebrate every gold medal but the biggest thing is to inspire people.
"That is what I love to do. Hopefully, I did that today.”
The booing that soundtracked his victory did not go unnoticed as he remarked: "It's a shame, because that's not really the spirit of the Olympics," per News.com.au.
"But I do also understand it. The French are very passionate. They wanted Victor to win, which is understandable. But, you know, they didn't boo the rock that made me puncture," he added.
Pidcock confessed that he had sympathy for his opponent but had no regrets over winning.
"The Olympics is so special and you need to never give up. This week and the lead up the Olympics, so many things run through your head," he said, per The Mirror. "Emotions, scenarios, and when by the time you get on the start line you're a bit knackered as it is."
"It was all going pretty well and I knew that Victor would be strong and it would not be easy today and then the puncture happened," he continued. "In the end, I just had to go for a gab and rubbings racing is what I've always done and the Olympics is not different."
"I'm sorry for him, the support for him was incredible but it's the Olympics so you've got to go all in," he added.
Pidcock's gold medal finish means Team GB's tally lifts to two, following the success of Tom McEwen and Laura Collett in the Equestrian Eventing.
Congratulations to Pidcock!