Hello Paris!
by Meg Smith
With today marking the start of the Olympic Games, I thought it might be a nice idea to pull together a list of favourites set to take to the roads tomorrow as the road cycling time trial takes place! The TT will be taking place on the flat 32.4km out-and-back course from Invalides to Pont Alexandre III via the Bois de Vincennes in France's capital city. There’s a 90% chance of rain, temperatures around 21°C, and humidity over 70%. These conditions could lead to unexpected outcomes, making equipment choices like tire selection and pressure crucial. Below are a few rider profiles of the favourites to win.
© Paris 2024
Rider Profiles:
Remco Evenepoel (Belgium)
Reigning world time trial champion and top Olympic contender.
Strong performance at Tour de France, including third overall and a stage win on the first TT stage.
Potential disadvantage: Lack of freshness compared to competitors who didn't race the Tour.
Chloé Dygert (USA)
Reigning time trial World Champion and heavy favourite for Paris.
Strong 2023 comeback with wins at RideLondon Classique and ITT World Championship.
Challenges: Recent injuries and illness, including Achilles issue and COVID-19.
Filippo Ganna (Italy)
Two-time world time trial champion and Italy's reigning champion.
Fifth in Tokyo Olympics, narrowly missing out on medals.
Quiet build-up to Paris with strong form shown at Tour of Austria.
Ellen van Dijk (the Netherlands)
Three-time World Champion, competing after a challenging recovery from injury.
Previous titles on flat courses similar to the Paris course.
Motivation: Missed Tokyo Olympics and recent return to competition.
Brandon McNulty (USA)
USA's top time trialist with three wins in 2024, matching Evenepoel.
Fourth place at 2023 Worlds.
Fresh legs heading into Paris, having not raced since mid-May.
Grace Brown (Australia)
Highest Tokyo finisher in the time trial, with top results in recent World Championships.
In good form with wins at Australian nationals and Bretagne Ladies Tour.
Set to retire post-Olympics, aiming for a strong finish to her career.
Josh Tarling (Great Britain)
Young talent from Great Britain, rapidly rising in the time trial scene.
Strong 2023 performances, including elite bronze at home Worlds.
Fresh and ready for his first Olympic outing at age 20.
Demi Vollering (the Netherlands)
Dutch GC rider with strong ITT capabilities.
Recent podium finishes in time trials and multiple World Tour stage race wins.
Fresh and focused on both time trial and road race in Paris.
Stefan Küng (Switzerland)
Swiss hope with 20 career time trial wins and a reputation for near misses.
Fourth in Tokyo and multiple top-10 finishes at Tour de France.
Determined to secure an Olympic medal this time.
Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy)
Italy's contender, fresh from a Giro d’Italia Women victory.
Recent success in time trials, narrowly winning stage 1 at the Giro.
Two bronze medals from previous Olympic road races, aiming for a higher podium spot.
Place your bets, let’s get racing!