In Tokyo 2020, the Swiss women stood on the podium in the women's event. That will not be possible this year, as the teams are now limited to two instead of three riders per race. What's more, defending champion Neff will not be competing due to health reasons and will instead send Sina Frei, who also has fond memories of Tokyo thanks to her silver medal,

However, the big favorite for the race on Élancourt Hill southwest of Paris is Pauline Ferrand-Prévot. The Frenchwoman will not only be cheered on by a large home crowd, but is also the reigning world and European cross-country champion. Dutchwoman Puck Pieterse is regarded as the fiercest contender for gold after a rapid rise. And of course there are a few others in the running: Alessandra Keller is a medal contender, as is Loana Lecomte (FRA). Haley Batten (USA), Mona Mitterwallner (AUT) and Jenny Rissveds (SWE) are also in with a chance of winning the gold medal, but their current level of form means they're still a bit of a surprise.

Starting list

All against Pidcock?

While the women are already basking in the sun, the men's race gets serious on Monday. Tom Pidcock wants to repeat his title, but the Brit is up against stiff competition. First and foremost, veteran Nino Schurter, who is competing in his fifth Olympic Games after finishing third, second, first and fourth in the last four Games, and another Swiss rider, Mathias Flückiger, who is again considered a major challenger.

But the hosts should not be left out of the equation, as they have two hot irons in the fire with Jordan Sarrou and Victor Koreztky, who are also capable of winning. The three Cannondale riders Alan Hatherly (RSA), Simon Andreassen (DEN) and Charlie Aldridge (GBR) are also among the extended group of favorites, as are the New Zealander Sam Gaze and the Chilean Martin Vidaurre-Kossmann. The race should therefore be more exciting than ever before. 

Start list

Start times

• Sunday, 28.07.2024: 14:10, Cross Country Women
• Monday, 29.07.2024: 14:10, Cross Country Men

The competitions will be broadcast in Switzerland on SRF2 and RSI La2 with co-commentators Thomas Frischknecht and Tom Alemanno, in Germany on ARD and ZDF and in Austria on ORF 1. The women's and men's races will be broadcast live and in full length on the Warner Bros channels Discovery+ and Eurosport 2.