Inside Team GB hero Tom Pidcock’s relationship with interior designer girlfriend and cycling nut Bethany Louise Zajac
AS Team GB hero Tom Pidcock raced across the finish line, in dramatic circumstances, he was met by girlfriend Bethany Louise Zajac.
The loved-up pair were overcome with emotion as they embraced lovingly to celebrate his epic gold medal win – snatched from the jaws of defeat.
Competing in the Men’s Cross-country mountain biking, a puncture threatened to derail Pidcock’s dream of a second consecutive gold medal, after he was victorious at Tokyo 2020.
Miraculously, he overturned a 39-second gap to move from ninth to first – overtaking Frenchman Victor Koretzky before the finish line.
The emotional star choked up as he said afterwards: “It wasn’t easy. I’m keeping my glasses on for a reason!
“The Olympics is so special. You never give up, in everything, and that’s what I had to do.”
Bethany, an interior designer and project manager, shared the moment with the remarkable Yorkshiremen.
She has been his rock through turbulent times, moving to Andorra from their hometown of Leeds to aid his Olympic dream.
This is their love story, after the country fell in love with Pidcock.
Longterm romance
It is not known how Tom and Bethany met.
But we do know they have been together for five years, after they celebrated their anniversary with a sweet share on social media back in April.
Beaming for a selfie, they captioned a happy snap of them together: “5 years of us ”.
While he’s the adventurous cyclist, she is a project manager and interior designer.
Her biggest project was helping them set up a home in Andorra.
She has a separate Instagram account for that, showing off the handy work.
However, it is currently set to private – so we can only assume it’s still a work in progress.
One thing the couple are open about is their two Dachshund pooches, Chestnut and Acorn.
Not only do they feature extensively on Tom and Bethany’s social media accounts, they have their own Instagram page.
Called ‘The Nut Sisters’ – it has amassed almost 12,000 followers.
The page features even more images of the loveable dogs with their owners in a number of different settings – from sleeping on the couch to hiking up the Andorran mountains.
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They even joined their dad at the Tour de France.
Biggest supporter
If being at the finish line in Paris to celebrate his gold isn’t proof enough, Bethany has proven to be Tom’s greatest fan.
She has been with him every step of the way – sharing updates and and sweet messages of support at the various events he’s competed in.
Back in June, one of Bethany’s photos saw Tom taking part in a race in France as she watched from the sidelines.
She captioned the picture: “Have fun and be safe bestie.”
While in a different race in August last year, she wrote: “I’m so proud of you. All of the sacrifices, hard work and time away are worth it for hugs like these.”
What's happening today at The Games?
WHAT TO WATCH TODAY...
The Paris 2024 Olympics is now well underway with medals being ticked off and huge events still to come.
SunSport brings you all the action taking place in the French capital on a what is expected to be a huge third day.
TODAY’S BRIT MEDAL HOPES
Alex Yee was due to be in action in the men’s triathlon but due to pollution in the River Seine, the event has been postponed.
The Team GB 4x200m men’s freestyle swimming squad are packed with talent and could be in for gold (8.59pm).
And the women’s gymnastics team could also get a podium finish but it’s a strong field including Simone Biles’ USA (5.15pm).
BRITS TO WATCH
Kieran Reilly and Charlotte Worthington get underway in the freestyle BMX qualifiers (12.25pm).
Joe Clarke and Mallory Franklin are both in canoe slalom action, while the men’s hockey side face top-dogs the Netherlands.
GLOBAL STARS TODAY
Clarisse Agbegnenou carried the flag for France at the opening ceremony.
She can back that up with a third Olympic judo gold in the -63kg final (4.49pm).
FANCY SOMETHING DIFFERENT?
It is the final day of the rugby sevens for this Olympics, ending with the final at the 70,000-seater Stade de France at 6.45pm.
And the street-style 3×3 basketball gets underway at the spectacular La Concorde venue at the bottom of the Champs-Elysees in the heart of the city.
Click here for all the events taking place at Paris 2024 today.
Follow all the action as it unfolds with our Paris 2024 Olympics LIVE blog.
Adventurous pair
Moving to Andorra from Yorkshire might have been daunting for some.
But Tom and Bethany are clearly happy to be free spirits and have got the travel bug.
They often enjoy getaways with Chestnut and Acorn, and document the trips on their socials.
These include a ski trip in France and scenic countryside walk in Switzerland.
Bethany also loves cycling, and shares pictures of herself in spandex and on the saddle too.
As couples go, there can’t be two who are better matched than Tom and Bethany.