[ad_1]
Frenchman Victor Koretzky led for most of the race but was overtaken by Briton Tom Pidcock in the final few hundred meters, a move that the Frenchman, who won the silver medal, regretted.
«I believe in gold, it really doesn’t matter», Victor Koretzky of France regretted being beaten in the final meters by Tom Pidcock of Britain, who made a miraculous comeback after a puncture to defend his Olympic title in mountain biking on Monday in Elancourt.
READ ALSOLive- Paris 2024: Nicolas Gestin Olympic single-seat canoe champion, fourth gold medal for France
How did you feel when you finished the tournament with the silver medal?
«I believed in gold. Even with an all-out effort, there really was no point. I didn’t want to lead alone. Tom (Pidcock) made a mistake, and then when I saw him coming back on the last lap, I wanted to wait for him to come in, telling myself that I would recover a little and I would follow him as long as possible. On the last bump I managed to let go, but after the last descent I made a mistake. There was gravel on the line and I lost the front. That’s how I lost the victory.»
We are obviously disappointed…
«I kind of was. Especially because I managed to catch him but he cut me in half and caught me again. It loosened my shoes and I couldn’t beat him from behind. He put a lot of pressure on me and I felt average. It was still very dangerous. Well, I haven’t seen the pictures yet and we will say it’s a race, we are athletes and we all want to win.»
You will be satisfied with the result…
«I came out with mixed emotions. At the same time, I have this medal and I was able to prove that I was there today and that I am worthy at this big event. So I am proud that I am an Olympic medalist, which is huge. The race was very close until the end. It was a great battle and I think we excited the crowd. Everyone was there and completely supported me… It was amazing to experience it from the inside. I tried to make the most of it, even though I was obviously a little disappointed not to get the gold medal. I was a little torn on both sides.. »
How did you feel psychologically about this mano a mano with Pidcock?
«I knew, of course, that he was the strong one. He made a mistake and he was dead. But it was also me who put pressure on him. Maybe he made the mistake because I was on his wheel and he was exhausted. It was kind of the purpose to put pressure on him. Suffice to say, the tactics were not bad until the last descent. That’s life. »
What does this medal represent?
«It means a lot to be an Olympic medalist. It’s great to be able to compete in the Olympics for the third time in front of the public and my family. It was me who put it around my neck, but it was also thanks to them. It was the most beautiful.»
[ad_2]
Source link
