From July 27 to August 11, 2024, four different locations will host the cycling competitions for the Summer Olympics in Paris. Twenty-two events will be spread over five categories. Gender equality is one of the goals endorsed by the UCI, and for the first time in the sport's history, 514 riders will race in Paris 2024 with an equal number of men and women.
The men's and women's particular time trial medalists will be given on the first day of competition, even though the event will still take place every day between the opening and closing ceremonies in Paris 2024 due to minor scheduling changes from the previous edition.
Cycling Olympics History
Road cycling was a part of the competitive schedule at the first modern Olympiad in Athens in 1896, making it one of the original Olympic sports. Track cycling has participated in every modern Olympic Games, except the Stockholm Games 1912.
A road race for women's cycling was added to the Olympic schedule in 1984, and a time trial was added four years later in Los Angeles. Professional cyclists were not allowed to compete at the Games until Atlanta '96.
Now that they are allowed, professional cyclists lend even more prestige to Olympic races, which are now competed by the best riders in the world.
Cycling Olympics Rules
- There are two types of road cycling events at the Olympics: the road race and the individual time trial. Road cycling is done outside.
- Track cycling is held in a 250-meter bowl-shaped venue featuring competitions for both individuals and teams.
- A highly strategic endurance feat, the mass start begins at the exact moment for every rider.
- Usually, a sprint finish lasting a few hundred meters wins the competition.
- Instead of starting the time trial in a group peloton, participants go out alone and at different times.
Road bicycles have brakes, while track bicycles have a fixed gear and no braking system. Some focus more on strategy, while others prioritize strength and power; for example, the amount of work required to finish a lap in an individual sprint differs significantly from that needed in a 25-kilometer group omnium race.
Cycling Olympics Events
Men and women time trial: Saturday, July 27
MTB Women's Cross Country: Sunday, July 28
MTB Men's Cross Country: Monday, July 29
BMX: July 30 – August 02
Men's Road Race: Saturday, August 03
Women's Road Race: Saturday, August 04
Track Cycling: Women's Team Sprint – Monday, August 05
Track Cycling: Men's Team Sprint – Tuesday, August 06
Track Cycling: Men & Women Team Pursuit - Tuesday, August 07
Track Cycling: Men's Omnium, Women's Keirin - Tuesday, August 08
Track Cycling: Men's Sprint, Women's Madison - Tuesday, August 09
Track Cycling: Men's Madison - Tuesday, August 10
Track Cycling: Men's Keirin, Women's Sprint and Omnium - Tuesday, August 11