Tom Pidcock and Charlie Aldridge delivered a British one-two at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Val di Sole, Italy. Starting from the fifth row, Pidcock gradually fought his way through the field before taking control of the race on his own in the closing laps. Behind him, Aldridge held firm all the way to the finish to claim another silver medal on the world stage. Pidcock once again underlined his dominance in cross-country, while his compatriot continues to establish himself among the leading riders in the discipline.
Tom Pidcock wins again as Charlie Aldridge confirms his status
There was a certain inevitability about seeing Tom Pidcock cross the line first in Val di Sole. The British rider, however, dedicates only a limited part of his season to mountain biking, with his schedule largely focused on road racing. In 2026, he had competed in just one Cross-Country World Cup round before these World Championships, at Nové Město, where he had already taken victory. His return to Val di Sole therefore ended in much the same way as his previous major appearance in the discipline : with a win.
Starting from the fifth row because of his limited number of races this season, Pidcock nevertheless had to work for his victory. After spending the opening lap moving through the field, the British rider gradually closed the gap to the leaders. He made contact with the front group on the fourth lap, before biding his time among a group that included Adrien Boichis, Cole Punchard and his compatriot Charlie Aldridge. The decisive move came in the second half of the race. Pidcock repeatedly increased the pace, gradually putting his rivals under pressure. Boichis eventually dropped back on the sixth lap, while Pidcock waited until the seventh circuit to make the final break. He was then able to ride clear on his own and manage the final lap to secure his second cross-country world title, three years after his triumph in Glasgow.
The victory once again demonstrates just how effective the British rider remains whenever he returns to mountain biking. Already a double Olympic champion following his titles at Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024, Pidcock could now have his sights set on extending that run at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games with a third title : something that has never been done before. Even with a schedule primarily devoted to road racing, his level remains high enough to become world champion again at only his second major mountain bike race of the season.
Behind him, Charlie Aldridge produced a performance that deserves just as much recognition. Less exposed than Pidcock, the British rider has nevertheless built his career around mountain biking, competing in the discipline throughout the year, and has now secured his best result at this level. A former U23 world champion in 2023, Aldridge had already finished eighth in the cross-country event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and has steadily closed the gap to Pidcock at major competitions. His 2026 season has been particularly impressive. Aldridge won both the European short-track and cross-country titles before finishing second in the world short-track event just days ago, narrowly beaten by Adrien Boichis. He has now claimed another silver medal in cross-country, this time behind his compatriot. Just weeks after his European double, he leaves Val di Sole with two world medals and further confirmation that he now belongs among the riders capable of challenging for the top places at every major event.
