America’s Kristin Faulkner took a brilliant win at the Olympic road race on Sunday, outsmarting Marianne Vos and Lotte Kopecky to solo in for gold. But it almost didn’t happen—not her fantastic and cunning attack, but her very presence at the race. Had triathlete Taylor Knibb not given up her spot, Faulkner wouldn’t have been there.
USA Cycling secured two spots in the women’s road cycling events at the Games. Chloé Dygert earned her spot by winning the 2023 UCI time trial world championships, which qualified her for both the time trial and road race. In May 2024, professional triathlete Taylor Knibb of Trek Factory Racing won the 2024 USA Cycling time trial national championships, securing the final spot for both the time trial and road race. However, on July 10, Knibb announced she would withdraw from the road race to focus on the time trial and her triathlon career.
Replacement rider for the Games
In response, USA Cycling announced a replacement for the road race.
“Given this change, 2024 USA Cycling road race national champion Kristen Faulkner (EF-Oatly-Cannondale) will join Dygert in the road race,” the statement said. “Faulkner has quickly ascended the international ranks in women’s road cycling, securing three Grand Tour stage wins over the past two years. In addition to the road race on August 4, Dygert and Faulkner will compete together in the women’s team pursuit, with qualifying starting on August 6.”
Canada’s time trial champion also a triathlete
In Canada, Paula Findlay, a triathlete, won the national time trial championships in 2024, as well as in 2023 and 2022. However, this achievement did not automatically secure her a berth, as the selection committee was responsible for choosing the team. Like Knibb, Findlay has limited road racing experience, which led to Olivia Baril and Alison Jackson being selected for the road race.
Baril raced the time trial, finishing 20th in the first event of the road competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Knibb was just ahead of the Canadian in 19th. Although she had a difficult time with the technical course, crashing several times, she undoubtedly lost time.
Jackson suffered a crash early on but had a solid race, finishing in the main peloton in 19th. Baril came in 44th.
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