INEOS Grenadiers (United Kingdom) - Press Release: Pauline Ferrand-Prevot claimed the Mountain Bike Short Track world title in style, with Tom Pidcock taking bronze at his home worlds.

Ferrand-Prevot successfully defended her XCC title with a superb, controlled display in Glentress. 

Riding in the colours of France, the Grenadier launched her attack at the perfect time on the 10th and final lap, gapping her rivals to win by four seconds. Puck Pieterse (Netherlands) came home second, with Brit Evie Richards rounding out the podium.

The victory marked an incredible 11th world title for 'PFP' across all disciplines. Ferrand-Prevot quickly established herself in the lead group as the race played out at a rapid pace, before timing her acceleration on the final climb.

Her attention quickly turns to Saturday's XCO race, where she will once again look to defend her title.

Tom Pidcock claimed a brilliant bronze medal in Glentress after powering through the field.

The Brit started deep in the pack and was forced to battle hard for position in the opening exchanges, making his way from 33rd after lap one, up to the lead group before the half way point.

A late dive into the final turn saw Pidcock pull off bronze, in a race format he admits doesn't fully suit him. His main focus lies on Saturday's XCO race, where he will once again look to fight through the field to win a rainbow jersey.

Sam Gaze of New Zealand successfully defended his title with a late burst on the final climb, with Victor Koretzky (France) rounding out the podium in second.

Reaction:

Pauline Ferrand-Prevot: "It was a long day, starting at 6.30am. I just wanted to warm up and start the race. You know it’s going to be really painful so I just wanted to finish, and okay now it’s done so I’m really happy.

"It’s always special to win a world title. You always feel a bit more stressed because you have to defend it. So this morning I said ‘okay I have enjoyed all my season with the rainbow jersey. Now it’s time to give it back and try to win another one.' I was really focussed and really determined to win that one, also because if you make a good race on Thursday it’s also good for Saturday. Now I’m really looking forward to Saturday."

Tom Pidcock: "The first few laps were pretty savage. Not a great position to start – but then my starts are not good anyway. Then when I got to the front it was a bit better. But it’s always the case in these races with position into the descent – no one wanted to go first and it was getting a bit tactical. I was a bit far back – I should have been on Sam’s wheel knowing he was the favourite for today. I’m happy with a medal to be honest. These guys are better suited to this more explosive stuff so I’m quite happy with third.

"Especially after the Tour it’s important to get some short, sharp efforts. For sure that’s going to be good for Saturday."