The Paris Olympics are set to be a focal point for the world of cycling, with both the start and finish of the races in the iconic city. Extensive investments have been made to bring the Olympics to Paris, with the initial broadcast expected to showcase the city’s splendour. However, with only 90 riders participating and larger nations capped to three or four riders each, the race director must pay close attention to the unfolding race dynamics.
There’s been a discussion around the rider limitations for the Olympics on this site. The men will embark on a 273-kilometre journey starting from Paris, while the women have a 158-kilometre challenge ahead of them. Both races will incorporate a local circuit through Paris, completed three times towards the end of the event, which will be examined more closely here.
2024 Olympics Men’s Road Race Route Map and Profile
Prior to entering the local circuit, cyclists will have a significant distance to traverse. The route moves through the Cote des Gardes and towards the Palace of Versailles, one of France’s many tourist hotspots. Cyclists will also navigate past the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye and into the Mauldre valley, where the race might settle, depending on the tactical plays of the riders.
The competitors will face several climbs, including the Cote des Mesnuls, before passing through the track cycling area in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. The pre-finale will test their grit with a series of challenging ascents like the Cote de Senlisse and Cote des Herbouvilliers, ultimately leading back to Paris. The course, drawing parallels to a classic Flemish race, will take cyclists past landmarks such as the Louvre before they engage with the local circuit of 18.4 kilometres.
The first significant climb in Paris will be Montmartre, featuring cobblestones that favour classic specialists. The ascent passes by the renowned Sacré-Cœur and includes an especially steep section. Riders like Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert have expressed their enthusiasm for the course following its announcement.
After conquering Montmartre, the route transitions to wider avenues leading towards the Périphérique. Thereafter, the path climbs again heading towards the Boulevard Sérurier and past the Parc des Buttes Chaumont. The final approach brings competitors back to Montmartre and, following the last glimpse of Sacré-Cœur, directs them through a flat 10-kilometer stretch to the Eiffel Tower.
In summary, the Olympic road race route seems tailored for the classic rider, and it’s a course designed for television audiences to enjoy from the very beginning to the dramatic finale at the Eiffel Tower.
