Olympic Games: Road Race Schedule & Preview

Cycling: In the night from Friday to Saturday, the Olympic Games begin for professional cyclists on the road. The men fight for the first medals. It's the women's turn a day later. We look at the course and the favourites.

Gentlemen: Will Pogacar manage the double strike?

Road Race: Musashinonomori Park – Fuji International Speedway (234,0 km)

Time Trial: Fuji International Speedway – Fuji International Speedway (44,2 km)

The men's Olympic road race is a matter for the puncheur and climbers. No wonder the sprinters didn't dare to go to Tokyo. The race will be tough and only the strongest pros will be left at the end of the day. It is questionable whether the Tour de France was the right choice as preparation or whether those who have not been in France for three weeks before will be stronger. Either way, the two strongest nations will probably be the Slovenians and the Belgians. Fight on one side Tadej pogacar and Cousin Roglic, on the other Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert. The German hope is called Maximilian Schachmann, while the Swiss on Marc Hirschi build. In the time trial, the clear favorite is called Philippo Ganna. The Italian wants to win gold on the road and on the track.

Ladies: Everything in Orange?

Road Race: Musashinonomori Park – Fuji International Speedway (137,0 km)

Time Trial: Fuji International Speedway – Fuji International Speedway (22,1 km)

In the women's road race, the BDR mainly builds up Lisa Brennauer and Liana Lippert. But against the superiority of the Netherlands there is probably nothing that can be done. With Anna van der Breggen, Annemiek van Vleuten, and Marianne Vos and Demi Vollering come the four top favorites from our neighboring country. It would be a sensation if the future Olympic champion is not Dutch. And in the time trial, too, the favorite roles are distributed similarly. It's quite possible that the women's podium will shine in orange.