Cyclist Tom Pidcock clinches second European Mountain Bike Championship title in Portugal
Tom Pidcock Wins Second European Mountain Bike Championship Title
Tom Pidcock, a double Olympic gold medallist and Tour de France stage winner, added another accolade to his impressive collection by winning the European Mountain Bike Cross-Country (XCO) Championship in Melgaço, Portugal, on July 27, 2025.
Pidcock's commanding performance saw him finish the race in 1:21:02, a full 36 seconds ahead of fellow Briton Charlie Aldridge and over a minute ahead of Denmark's Simon Andreassen. The victory marks Pidcock as the first Briton to win the European MTB title twice, having first achieved it in 2022.
The men's race, which started a few hours after the women's event, took place over a nine-lap course that snaked through Peneda-Gerês National Park's woodland. The course was challenging, featuring exposed roots, white-yellow grass, a rock garden, and hazard signs warning of danger due to the minimal protection provided to the riders (only helmets and lycra).
Filippo Colombo from Switzerland held the early race lead, but Pidcock took control from the middle of the race onward. He overtook Aldridge by the fifth lap and finished the race solo. Aldridge eventually pushed past Colombo during the race, securing second place. Simon Andreassen from Denmark completed the podium, taking third place.
Pidcock's latest success comes after he won the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup cross-country race in Pal Arinsal-Andorra earlier this month, showcasing a remarkable comeback from a disadvantaged position early in the race to claim victory. This demonstrates Pidcock's strength and technical skill, which has been evident in his performances in both mountain biking and road cycling.
Looking ahead, Pidcock plans to compete in the Vuelta a España at the end of August 2025 after the summer mountain bike season. Given his ongoing trajectory, he is expected to continue targeting major MTB championships and road Grand Tours.
With this latest victory, Tom Pidcock further establishes his status as one of the most talented and versatile cyclists in the world today. His career highlights include:
- Double Olympic mountain bike cross-country champion (Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024)
- Two-time European MTB XCO Champion (2022, 2025)
- 2022 World MTB Cross-Country Champion
- Multiple UCI MTB World Cup victories
- Strong performances in road cycling classics and Grand Tours (e.g., Giro d’Italia 2025)
Pidcock has dovetailed on- and off-road programmes this year, balancing his commitments in both disciplines. His versatility and determination make him a formidable competitor in any race he enters.
Sports competitions saw Tom Pidcock secure his second European Mountain Bike Championship title in Melgaço, Portugal, on July 27, 2025. The men's race, featuring a challenging nine-lap course, showcased Pidcock's exceptional technical skills as he overcame adversity to claim victory.
