Tom Pidcock named in British cycling team

LONDON: Two-time Olympic champion Tom Pidcock has been named in British Cycling’s 39-strong team for the 2024 UCI MTB World Championships in Andorra.

The event in Pal Arinsal will take place from Wednesday, 28 August to Sunday, 1 September and is the first chance to see Great Britain’s cross-country and downhill cyclists since the Paris Olympics.

With riders competing in the cross-country Olympic (XCO), cross-country short track (XCC) and downhill disciplines, the star-studded line-up also includes reigning world champion Charlie Hatton and World Cup winner Heather Wilson.

Pidcock heads cross-country field Following his Olympic gold medal in Paris, world champion Pidcock leads a strong cross-country squad aiming to win a rainbow jersey. The 25-year-old will be joined in the elite men’s category by fellow Olympian Charlie Aldridge and national XCO champion Cameron Orr.

In the elite women’s category, Evie Richards will look to reclaim her title from 2021, with current national champion and 2017 World Championships silver medallist Annie Last also taking to the start line alongside Scottish national champion Isla Short.

Hatton bids for more downhill glory Hatton will hope to defend his world title from Fort William last year having already secured a national championship silver medal and national series win this year.

Last year’s World Championships bronze medallist Laurie Greenland will also be aiming for gold in Andorra. Other previous world champions featuring in the elite men’s category include Reece Wilson and Danny Hart, as well as multiple national champion Matt Walker.

Joining them will be Bernard Kerr, who is having an impressive season with two Red Bull Hardline podiums, while Joe Breeden and Greg Williamson will also be lining up with hopes of world success. Five-time world medallist Tahnee Seagrave will be one of the favourites in the elite women’s category having already appeared on several World Cup downhill podiums in 2024.