Tom Pidcock further cemented his credentials as the future of British cycling with a record stage win

Tom Pidcock further proved he is the future of British cycling by becoming the youngest-ever winner Tour de France Internship on Alpe d’Huez.

The 22-year-old from Leeds climbed the world’s most famous climb in cycling yesterday to claim his first major stage win, beating the rejuvenated four-time champion Chris Froome Third on streets full of loud fans.

Pidcock, who won gold in mountain biking last summer in Tokyo Olympiais only the second Brit after Geraint Thomas in 2018 to win on the iconic French mountain.

Tom Pidcock became just the second Briton to win at Alpe d’Huez, after Geraint Thomas in 2018

Stage 12 was Pidcock’s first-ever victory on the Tour in his debut year

“It’s not bad, is it? If I get dropped every other day I don’t care,” grinned the Ineos Grenadiers rider, making his Tour debut. “I thought maybe I would win one of those stages on a hill in the middle of nowhere, but to win Alpe d’Huez, it’s insane.

“It was one of my best experiences in cycling. You can’t even imagine riding through all these people. It was unreal – slaloming through people’s flags and fists.”

Pidcock is now eighth overall, with Ineos teammate Thomas – who finished seventh on the stage – third and still fighting for the yellow jersey.

Thomas said of Pidcock: “He’s a super talent. It’s great to see he’s doing well.”

Pidcock was part of a five-man breakaway during yesterday’s Stage 12 before making the first attack with about 10km to go from the summit and then gradually pulling away to finish 48 seconds ahead of South Africa’s Louis Meintjes.

Froome’s third place finish was his best since suffering career-threatening injuries three years ago.

Jonas Vingegaard finished sixth and retained the yellow jersey ahead of two-time defending champion Tadej Pogacar, who finished fifth.

The Olympic gold medalist was part of a breakaway with British legend Chris Froome