High fives for Tom Pidcock: Briton clinches fifth win in as many starts at Nové Město XC World Cup round

Tom Pidcock has extended his dominance in the UCI Mountain Bike World Series by securing his fifth consecutive victory at the Nové Město Men’s Elite Cross-Country (XC) event. The British rider showcased his climbing strength and tactical acumen on the challenging Czech woodland circuit, fending off a persistent challenge from France’s Luca Martin, last year’s Les Gets winner. Pidcock ultimately crossed the line 18 seconds ahead of Martin, with Switzerland’s Filippo Colombo completing the podium in third place. In the women’s race, Austrian rider Laura Stigger claimed her first mountain bike win of the 2026 season, finishing nearly a minute clear of her rivals. The fight for the remaining podium spots was fiercely contested, with Jenny Rissveds and Sina Frei battling for silver and bronze. Rissveds managed to outsprint Frei to take second place, while Nicole Koller, who had been in contention, slipped back to fourth by the finish. Pidcock reflected on the increasing competitiveness of the sport, acknowledging that the level of racing continues to rise year on year. He admitted to being a little overenthusiastic at the start but credited his fitness and climbing ability for ultimately making the difference. Despite his winning streak, Pidcock emphasised the need to remain vigilant and not become complacent, noting that his rivals are improving rapidly and pushing him to maintain peak performance. The results at Nové Město underline the escalating standards in elite mountain biking, with top athletes continually raising the bar. Pidcock’s consistent success cements his status as a leading figure in the discipline, while Stigger’s breakthrough victory signals her growing prowess in the sport. As the World Series progresses, riders will be looking to build on these performances ahead of the next rounds, with competition expected to intensify further.