Pidcock's Pinarello swaps the rainbow for the United Kingdom flag at the Olympics

The runners competing for the Olympic gold in Paris carried out their first training sessions on the Elancourt circuit yesterday. The occasion served to witness the return of Tom Pidcock with the spectacular Dogma XC dressed in the flag of the United Kingdom. The French capital is counting down the hours to celebrate the most anticipated race of the year.

Tom Pidcock's Pinarello Dogma XC for the Olympic Games: a unique design for a unique race

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games celebrate the opening ceremony this Friday, even though some competitions have been underway for a few days. The runners are finalizing preparations to face the most special race on the calendar, in search of an Olympic gold that shines above any other award. The selected athletes have already had their first contact with the track as part of the Olympic Games concentration.

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There, Tom Pidcock could be seen riding a mountain bike for the first time since the XCO World Cup in Crans Montana. Pinarello, which already created the Dogma XC in record time, had to put in extra effort when Pauline Ferrand-Prevot joined the team. The Italian brand wanted to please the multiple world champion with a rigid version of their model.

The Paris 2024 circuit -4.3 km and 110 meters of positive elevation- raised doubts about which bike the INEOS Grenadiers cyclists would choose. Finally, Tom Pidcock has opted for the full suspension or, at least, that's what he used during the first Olympic training sessions.

In the few images that have been released, it can be appreciated that the Dogma XC has undergone a makeover for the Paris 2024 event. Thus, the Rider's machine sports a different finish, as it has replaced the colors that used to adorn the front part of the top tube with the British flag.

The Pinarello Dogma XC -with the characteristic triangle over the bottom bracket as its most distinctive feature- is one of the bikes with the most potential to lead its riders to gold. Both Tom Pidcock and Pauline Ferrand-Prevot land on French soil with the label of being the ones to beat.

However, the form of the British rider is a mystery after being forced to abandon the Tour due to Covid. Pidcock's presence in the French race sparked criticism that the demands of the race could take a toll on his preparation, but his early withdrawal increased uncertainty.

Despite the buzz that has been generated, the truth is that Pidcock has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to combine various disciplines and endure a calendar full of commitments. The results this season on dirt are clear: four victories in five races.

Just a few days before the most brutal race on the planet takes place, there are still brands keeping special designs under lock and key that their riders will wear. Some of these brands equip important figures such as Scott for Nino Schurter; Specialized for Martin Vidaurre, Victor Koretzky, and Christopher Blevins; BMC for Jordan Sarrou; or Trek for Riley Amos and Evie Richards.

Other manufacturers have revealed the colors for the Olympic Games, such as BH, Wilier, Orbea, Mondraker, Rockrider, or Cannondale.