Pidcock draws an important conclusion from Nové Město win — one that also concerns Van der Poel

While all eyes in the cycling world were on the surprise stage 15 of the Giro d'Italia on Sunday, mountain biking fans had plenty of their own action to enjoy from the Czech Republic. On the iconic Nové Město circuit, Tom Pidcock took the win — and the Briton drew an important conclusion from his victory.

Nové Město na Moravě is one of the most beloved venues on the mountain bike calendar, and Pidcock took to the terrain immediately. He did not wait long to put pressure on the competition: his attack came as early as the second lap.

It had the desired effect, and Pidcock was able to ride clear straight away. In the laps that followed, he managed his lead well, with French champion Luca Martin the only rider capable of keeping him honest. Pidcock held him off, however, and claimed his fifth win in Nové Město — in five appearances at the venue.

Sunday's win was anything but easy, though. "I think that was the hardest one I've done," Pidcock said afterwards. "I didn't make it easy for myself. I had a really good start and was probably a bit too keen in the opening laps."

He didn't ease off, though. "When Luca took the lead, I knew everyone was showing their hand a bit, and I thought: I'll read the situation and see what happens. But it's a long way. Luca was pushing me all the way. He kept coming close and I had to kick again a few times."

What does a win like this say about his condition? "My fitness is good, but when I haven't done many races, I need to be a bit more cautious than perhaps in another part of the season. I think it shows that everyone is pushing, everyone is getting better and stronger."

Pidcock took a clear lesson from his victory in the Czech Republic. "The level of the sport keeps getting higher and higher. It keeps me on my toes because I can't rest on my laurels. These guys are working just as hard." That is a warning Mathieu van der Poel — who has made the MTB World Championships a major goal — would do well to heed.