The French crowd booed loudly when Tom Pidcock won the men's Olympic mountain bike race after passing by and bumping shoulders with his idol, Victor Koretzky, on the final lap.

Pidcock and Koretzky passed each other several times after the race and during the medal ceremony, but did not congratulate each other as the tension of the race continued.

Their rivalry was softened when the two sat next to each other at the post-race press conference and reflected on the race. Pidcock praised Koretsky, while the Frenchman admitted in a sportsmanlike manner that he had chosen the wrong line in a crucial section under the trees.

He went to the right of the tree in the middle of the course, while Pidcock dove to the left; the two clashed shoulders, shoes, and wheels, Koretzky lost speed, while Pidcock took an incredible and impressive second win and the mountain bike gold.

Their rivalry ended with Koretzky accepting defeat and admitting that their clash was a racing incident. The two eventually shook hands and congratulated each other in a show of respect.

"I think it was part of the race. We all go for the finish line, we all fight for the finish line. That's racing. We fought to the end," Koretzky said, mourning the loss.

"After the puncture, he showed everyone how good he was today. I lost my chances, but I think I played my way to the end. I'm happy with that

"I opened a gap, but then I went off the track and he caught me again. Then he overtook me in the woods. I didn't know he was on my left. He touched me and touched my shoe.

Pidcock won the gold medal, but Koretzky received the loudest cheers from the French crowd.

After the British national anthem, the crowd spontaneously sang the French national anthem and continued to cheer Koretzky's name. He waved, smiled, and even high-fived them at the finish line to thank them.

"It was great to race in front of the French crowd. From the start to the finish, it was a great atmosphere. I can't be sad. I'm disappointed and happy at the same time," Koretzky said.

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