Let’s dive into the details of the women’s cycling events and explore the athletes, courses, and favourites competing in Paris.
Women’s Road Racing: The battle for glory
The women’s road race, scheduled for August 4th, 2024, is shaping up to be a gruelling and strategic battle. The course, featuring steep and punchy climbs, including the iconic Butte Montmartre with over 1,700 meters of altitude gain, will be a true test of the riders’ skills and endurance. This challenging terrain favours one-day classics riders who excel in such demanding conditions.
Favourites to watch
Among the top contenders, the Dutch team stands out with their consistent dominance in women’s cycling. Marianne Vos, a legendary figure and the London 2012 world champion is expected to lead the charge. Despite being 37 years old, Vos remains a formidable competitor with recent victories, including the 2022 UCI World Championship and the 2024 Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition. Her experience and tactical acumen make her a serious threat.
Another strong contender is Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky who enters Paris 2024 in exceptional form. Kopecky has been a dominant force in road races over the past two years. In 2023, she won the UCI Elite Women’s World Road Race title and numerous other major events. She started her 2024 season with a victory in the UAE Tour Women and continued her winning streak with two stage wins at the Tour of Britain Women, securing both points and classification victories. Her impressive form and confidence make her a favourite to watch.
Poland’s Katarzyna Niewiadoma and Italy’s Elisa Longo Borghini are also expected to be in contention, leveraging their climbing skills and racing experience. Niewiadoma, representing CANYON//SRAM Racing, brings a strong track record and will be aiming for a podium finish in Paris.
Mountain Biking: Off-road excellence
The mountain biking event, set against the rugged terrain of Paris, will test riders’ endurance and technical skills. Defending champion Jolanda Neff of Switzerland is expected to face stiff competition from France’s Pauline Ferrand-Prevot and the Netherlands’ Puck Pieterse.
Pauline Ferrand-Prevot
Pauline Ferrand-Prevot enters Paris 2024 as the favourite, with an impressive record of five national championships and nine world championships. Her dominance in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, including victories in the World Championships and the European Championships, highlights her exceptional form. Riding in front of a home crowd, Ferrand-Prevot will be driven to secure Olympic gold.
Puck Pieterse
At just 22 years old, Puck Pieterse represents the future of women’s mountain biking. Her silver medal at the 2023 World Championships and recent gold at the 2024 Mountainbike European Continental Championships mark her as a rising star. Pieterse’s rapid ascent in the sport suggests she could challenge for a podium finish in Paris.
BMX: Speed and agility
BMX freestyle cycling is set to make its second Olympic appearance at Paris 2024, featuring 48 of the world’s best riders. The Urban Park at Place de la Concorde, located in the heart of Paris, will provide a breathtaking backdrop for the competition. This iconic venue will also host three other urban sports: 3X3 basketball, breaking, and skateboarding, making it a hub of modern athleticism and youthful energy.
Returning to defend her title is the reigning champion from Tokyo 2020, Charlotte Worthington of Great Britain. She will be joined by the silver medallist Hannah Roberts of the USA and Switzerland’s Nikita Ducarroz who claimed bronze in BMX freestyle’s Olympic debut. Their presence guarantees a high level of competition as they seek to repeat their successes and perhaps change the colour of their medals.
In the past three years, the People’s Republic of China has emerged as a formidable force in BMX freestyle, thanks to the guidance of their coach, Daniel Dhers, a men’s Tokyo medallist. Under Dhers’ mentorship, riders Sun Jiaqi and Deng Yawen have made significant strides and showcased their talent at the Olympic Qualifier Series. Both Sun and Deng are now considered serious medal contenders, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the event.
Likewise, Dutch riders Laura Smulders, Merel Smulders, and Manon Veenstra are expected to be strong contenders, bringing their speed and agility to the competition.
Anticipating the Olympic thrills
With a diverse and talented field of competitors, each event promises to deliver intense action and more than a few unforgettable moments. Whether it’s the gruelling climbs of the road race, the precision of the time trial, the rugged challenges of mountain biking, or the adrenaline rush of BMX, fans are in for a treat. Whether you’re cheering for your home team or a favourite athlete, be sure to tune in!
