In a race filled with surprises and dramatic turns, Kristen Faulkner emerged victorious in the women’s road race at the Paris Olympics, securing gold for the USA. The competition began with early attacks and an unexpected crash that reshaped the field, culminating in Faulkner’s decisive solo move in the final kilometres.
The 158-kilometre course, featuring the cobbled climb of the Butte Montmartre, proved challenging for the riders. The race started with an early attack by Awa Bamogo from Burkina Faso, although her effort lasted just 15 kilometres. Subsequently, Slovakian rider Nora Jencusova made a solo move, but like Bamogo, she was unable to sustain her lead.
The peloton remained relatively controlled until the final laps, when Swiss rider Elise Chabbey’s crash caused significant disruption. This incident allowed a leading group to form, including Marianne Vos (Netherlands), Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy), Elizabeth Deignan (Britain), and Faulkner. Belgian favourite Lotte Kopecky, initially delayed by the crash, made an impressive solo effort to bridge the gap and join the leaders.
On the last ascent of the Montmartre climb, Faulkner and Kopecky caught up with Vos and Hungarian champion Blanka Vas. As the group crossed the Seine, Faulkner launched a bold solo attack, quickly gaining a decisive gap. The hesitation among the chasing trio sealed their fate, as Faulkner powered to the finish line at the Eiffel Tower.
Rider reactions and reflections
Kristen Faulkner’s victory was as much a personal triumph as it was a strategic masterstroke. “I feel like it’s a dream come true,” Faulkner said after the race. “I took a really big risk a few years ago to chase my dream and I’ve made it happen. It’s the best feeling in the world, I don’t know how to describe it.”
Reflecting on her strategy, Faulkner added, “I’ve practised my late attack a few times this year so I felt comfortable how to do it, I just hoped it would work.”
Faulkner’s journey to Olympic gold has been unconventional. A rower at Harvard turned venture capitalist, she switched to professional cycling in 2021. Originally, she was not meant to compete in this race, but was called up as a late replacement for triathlete Taylor Knibb.
For Marianne Vos, the silver medal was a mix of pride and missed opportunity. The Dutch veteran, known for her tactical intelligence, acknowledged the impact of Faulkner’s move. “She timed it perfectly,” Vos admitted. “We hesitated for a moment, and that was enough.”
Lotte Kopecky, who took bronze, expressed satisfaction despite narrowly missing out on a higher podium spot. “I’m very happy that I didn’t finish fourth again, like three years ago. It was the most horrible place to end,” Kopecky said. “When Faulkner went, I knew it was up to Vos to chase, but she was just too strong.”
Blanka Vas, who finished fourth, showed a strong performance but was left just outside the medals. Her effort to close the gap in the final kilometres fell short, leaving her to reflect on the near miss.
The Paris Olympic road race will be remembered for its dramatic twists and the unexpected rise of Kristen Faulkner, whose bold attack secured a historic victory for the USA.
2024 Olympic Games Women’s Road Race result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Main photo credit: Getty
