Tom Pidcock has returned to the Olympics in the hope of riding his way to securing another gold medal.
The 24 year old, who hails from Yorkshire, started riding at three years old and entered his first race at Castle Combe track when he was just seven. He made history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when he won Great Britain's first-ever mountain biking medal, just weeks after recovering from a fractured collarbone.
This saw him take home a gold medal and become an Olympic champion. Reflecting on his remarkable achievement, he said: "The Olympics just transcends any sport. You compete and represent your country; everyone in your country is behind you, no matter what sports they like. It's just national pride, it's unbelievable."
![Tom Pidcock of The United Kingdom and Team INEOS Grenadiers prior to the 111th Tour de France 2024](https://i2-prod.ok.co.uk/incoming/article33331530.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Tom-Pidcock.jpg)
The cyclist is hoping to defend his title and bring home more Olympic medals in Paris as he takes part in the mountain bike event on 29 July and the road race on 3 August. But what do we know about his life away from the sport? Let's take a look...
The Yorkshireman was born in Leeds but it's unclear where he resides with his stunning girlfriend now. Speaking of which... the British cyclist is in a relationship with Bethany Louise Zajac.
Bethany is a project manager and interior designer, and a mum to their two adorable dogs, Chestnut & Acorn. The pooches even have their own Instagram where the couple share regular updates, from joining their cyclist dad on the Tour De France to family days out.
![Tom Pidcock and Bethany Louise Zajac](https://i2-prod.ok.co.uk/incoming/article33331556.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Tom-Pidcock-and-Bethany-Louise-Zajac.jpg)
![Tom Pidcock and Bethany Louise Zajac with their two dogs](https://i2-prod.ok.co.uk/incoming/article33331543.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Tom-Pidcock-and-Bethany-Louise-Zajac.jpg)
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Tom and his girlfriend have been together for five years, having celebrated their anniversary in April this year. Bethany, who states her location in her Instagram bio is "Yorkshire to Andorra" is often sharing updates and supportive messages for her cyclist beau at the various events she attends to cheer him on from the sidelines.
In a snap from a cycling race in France in June, Bethany shared a snap from the sidelines with the caption: "Have fun and be safe bestie." From another race in August last year, she sweetly wrote: "I’m so proud of you. All of the sacrifices, hard work and time away are worth it for hugs like these."
![Tom Pidcock and Bethany Louise Zajac in France](https://i2-prod.ok.co.uk/incoming/article33331577.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Tom-Pidcock-and-Bethany-Louise-Zajac.jpg)
![Bethany Louise Zajac on a bike ride](https://i2-prod.ok.co.uk/incoming/article33331571.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Bethany-Louise-Zajac.jpg)
The couple are often heading off on adventures together, whether that's a getaway with their two dogs, a ski trip in France or exploring the stunning countryside in Switzerland. Bethany also dabbles in cycling and often shares striking pictures clad in spandex or exploring the wilderness with her 10.9K Instagram followers.
In a previous Q&A session on Instagram, Bethany shared how she manages when Tom is away for his cycling events. She wrote: "Honestly totally okay. So much more important and awful things going on in the world. FaceTime is our best friend."