WE'RE OFF TO THE PARIS OLYMPICS: CYCLING

11/07/2024

In the run up to the Olympic Games, each week we'll be presenting the athletes who will have the privilege of competing for Belgium in Paris between 26 July and 11 August 2024. We will present them discipline by discipline... Today, we're putting the spotlight on our gallant cyclists!

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Only Lotte Kopecky will take part in the road events (time trial and road race) and the track events (madison and omnium). 20 other Belgians have been selected to take part in various events.

Road: Road cycling takes place outside and is divided into two kinds of events at the Olympic Games: a road race (mass start for a race of over 200km) and an individual time trial (cyclists take turns starting at regular intervals to cover around 50km).

Women's category:

•            Julie Van De Velde (road race)

•            Justine Ghekiere (road race)

•            Margot Vanpachtenbeke (road race)

Men's category:

•            Remco Evenepoel (individual time trial and road race)

•            Wout van Aert (individual time trial and road race)

•            Jasper Stuyven (road race)

•            Tiesj Benoot (road race)
 

On the track: In a velodrome (250m track with banked bends), with events in different race formats for individuals and teams. Selected to represent Belgium:

•            Hélène Hesters, Madison, Omnium

•            Julie Nicolaes, Sprint, Keirin

•            Katrijn De Clercq, Madison, Omnium

•            Nicky Degrendele, Sprint, Keirin

•            Van den Bossche Fabio, Team Pursuit, Madison, Omnium

•            Lindsay De Vylder, Team Pursuit, Madison, Omnium

•            Robbe Ghys, Team Pursuit, Madison, Omnium

•            Tuur Dens, Team Pursuit
 

Mountain Bike: Riders set off from the same starting line and contest multiple laps around a loop (known as a cross-country event) on mountainous, rough terrain that tests their technique, endurance, and stamina. Selected to represent Belgium:

•            Jens Schuermans in the men's category

•            Pierre de Froidmont in the men's category

•            Emeline Detilleux in the women's category

 

BMX: Riders launch themselves from a gate atop the eight-metre high start hill onto the 400m track packed with jumps, banked corners and obstacles. Selected to represent Belgium:

•            Ruben Gommers in the men's category

•            Aiko Gommers in the women's category

 

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