Tom Pidcock, competing for the first time in the UCI MTB World Cup in Albstadt last weekend, was handicapped by starting in the last row. But the Ineos Grenadiers rider exploded through the pack to take fifth place, two places ahead of cyclo-cross rival Mathieu van der Poel.

Pidcock will start on the front row of the second World Cup race in Nove Miesto on Sunday.

"I'm sure it will make a big difference," Pidcock said of his improved grid position after narrowly losing to Van der Pol on the short track on Friday.

"Early in the race, you can stay as far back as you can. Last week I was fighting for every second. Usually when I start from the front, I'm back there, but we'll see how the start goes."

Pidcock's impressive debut on the short track saw him lead the sprint despite gear trouble.

"I was a little frustrated because I couldn't get my biggest gear in," he said.

"My suspension broke, so my mechanic didn't have time to check it [before the race].

"My feeling was very good. I'm very happy with my feeling. Compared to the Olympic distance, I thought I wouldn't feel as good because this distance is so explosive. But this course has big climbs, so I think it suits me."

Pidcock attributed the equipment problems to inexperience, as it was his elite debut and Ineos Grenadiers' first attempt at mountain biking.

"If we didn't have problems, that would be unusual. Me and the team are relatively inexperienced, so we're all still learning," Pidcock said.

"We have to work through it and hopefully one day it will all work out."