On Friday, USA Cycling announced the athletes who will compete in the Time Trial and Road Races at the Paris Olympics.
The 2023 UCI Road World Championships was one of the major opportunities for athletes to punch their tickets to Paris. Chloé Dygert (Brownsburg, Ind.; CANYON//SRAM Racing) earned her spot for the Games after winning the 2023 UCI Time Trial World Championships, qualifying her for both the Time Trial and Road Race. Last week, USA Cycling officially announced her selection for the Track Cycling team, as well. Dygert will compete in the Time Trial (July 27), the Road Race (Aug. 4), and the Team Pursuit (Aug 6-7).
The 2024 USA Cycling Time Trial National Championships was the final chance for riders to qualify for the Olympics. The flat course in Charleston, W.V. was designed to closely emulate the Paris course, ensuring that the winner at U.S. Pro would be well-suited for the Olympic Games.
In the Elite Women’s race, professional triathlete superstar Taylor Knibb (Washington, D.C.; Trek Factory Racing) claimed victory in Charleston, qualifying her for the second and final Olympic spot, having already qualified in Triathlon. Knibb was the first American athlete to qualify in two sports at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
For the men’s team, reigning National Champion Brandon McNulty (Phoenix; UAE Team Emirates) was the race favorite in Charleston. He won by 58 seconds, qualifying him for his second Olympic Games, where he will race the Time Trial and Road Race. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, McNulty ignited the Road Race with 25km to go attacking with eventual race winner Richard Carapaz of Ecuador. Carapaz attacked with 6km to go and rode to the line, while McNulty finished with the chase group, taking sixth place.
Team USA earned three men’s spots where all three athletes will compete in the Road Race and two in the Time Trial. Joining McNulty are Magnus Sheffield (Pittsford, N.Y.; Ineos Grenadiers) and Matteo Jorgenson (Boise, Idaho; Team Visma – Lease a Bike) both making their Olympic debuts in Paris. Sheffield was selected for both the Time Trial and Road Race, while Jorgenson will focus his efforts solely on the Road Race.
Sheffield has established his place among the world’s best in the Time Trial, racing to several podium finishes this year. In his first race of the year, he finished a mere 16-seconds off the Time Trial World Champion Remco Evenepoel at the Volta ao Algarve. Both McNulty and Sheffield delivered American dominance at this year’s Tour de Romandie Stage 3 Time Trial finishing first and second. In May, Sheffield went on to make his Grand Tour debut at the Giro d'Italia, finishing third in the Stage 7 Time Trial.
Jorgenson will compete in the Road Race after his exceptional rides this year. In his first year riding with Team Visma – Lease a Bike, he became the third American ever to win Paris-Nice, a race that’s been held every year since 1933. This race marked another historic moment with Olympian McNulty finishing on the podium in third. Additionally, Jorgenson secured a victory at Dwars door Vlaanderen with a decisive solo attack in the final kilometers of the race.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games run from July 26 – August 11 with cycling competing every day of the Games. The Individual Time Trials will be contested on Saturday, July 27, with the women’s race starting first at 8:30 am ET. The Men’s and Women’s Road Races will be held on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4, respectively.
2024 U.S. Olympic Road Team:
Women:
Chloé Dygert (Brownsburg, Ind.; CANYON//SRAM Racing) - Time Trial & Road Race
Taylor Knibb (Washington, D.C.; Trek Factory Racing) - Time Trial & Road Race
Men:
Brandon McNulty (Phoenix; UAE Team Emirates) - Time Trial & Road Race
Magnus Sheffield (Pittsford, N.Y.; Ineos Grenadiers) - Time Trial & Road Race
Matteo Jorgenson (Boise, Idaho; Team Visma – Lease a Bike) - Road Race
Quotes:
Chloé Dygert (Brownsburg, Ind.; CANYON//SRAM Racing):
“It’s truly a blessing. I am truly blessed to be selected for my third Olympic Games in USA colors. Thankful for those who go above and beyond behind the scenes to make sure I’m the best I can be on and off the bike. We will see you in Paris.”
Taylor Knibb (Washington, D.C.; Trek Factory Racing):
“I’m very honored, grateful, and excited for the opportunity to represent Team USA with USA Cycling. It would not have been possible without the support of my amazing family, friends, coaches, manager, sponsors, and USA Triathlon. Cycling has a very steep learning curve, and I am simultaneously excited and nervous for what lies ahead.”
Brandon McNulty (Phoenix; UAE Team Emirates):
"I was really excited to go to the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. That top result – 6th in the road race – just motivates me all the more. The race was super aggressive, I relive it all the time. At home in Arizona and Girona, I'm already training with 100% focus on Paris. My goal? Bring back a medal!"
Magnus Sheffield (Pittsford, N.Y.; Ineos Grenadiers):
“It feels like a dream come true. Going to the Olympics was one of my biggest goals growing up. I’m incredibly proud to represent the U.S. in Paris as well as all the people that have helped me along the way. I don’t think it will fully sink in until I’m there.”
Matteo Jorgenson (Boise, Idaho; Team Visma – Lease a Bike):
“The Olympics were always a part of my childhood. I remember spending entire summers watching sports I had never heard of and admiring the athletes. For sure it had a big effect on me and was one of the reasons I decided to pursue a career as a pro athlete. Being able to race in Paris, especially following the best year of my career, is a dream come true.”
Tanner Putt – USA Cycling’s Director of Road:
“I am thrilled to join the 2024 USA Olympic Road Team for my first Olympic Games this summer. It’s a tremendous honor to work alongside these athletes and represent our nation at the world's largest sporting event. The men and women selected have demonstrated dominance in their respective disciplines and are strong contenders for medals in Paris. Go Team USA!”
Photos:
For downloadable photos of athletes, click here.
USA Cycling Olympic Hub:
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