Italian technical commissioners in Paris for inspections of Olympic road race routes

It’s the details that make the difference. Especially in an event of the highest level such as the Olympic Games.

The technical commissioners of the national cycling teams Daniele Bennati (professionals), Paolo Sangalli (women) and Marco Velo (time trial) are in Paris (photo Federciclismo) for inspections of the routes of the Olympic road races.

There are pitfalls and characteristics of the time trial and road race courses and the Italian coaches do not want to leave anything to chance.

“It is a course for real specialists,” says Marco Velo about the 32.4 kilometres of the time trial, with start and finish at the Alexandre III Bridge, “with little altitude difference and few changes of pace. Almost all the changes of direction will be at speed. I really like it: finally an Olympic time trial for real time trialists.”

The men's road race covers 273 kilometres with a total altitude difference of 2,800 metres. “It will be a very long race,” Daniele Bennati commented. “Difficult to interpret, considering that a group reduced to around 90 athletes will participate. The 225-kilometre straight stretch around Paris is relatively straightforward, with only a few inclines posing any significant challenges. Once back in Paris, we will tackle the final circuit without ever passing the finish line. The ascent towards Montmartre, featuring cobbles and stretching 900 meters with a maximum gradient of 9% and an average of approximately 7%, might play a pivotal role. Nevertheless, within the circuit, there will be two other minor rough sections that could also attract attacking riders. The finish will be flat and in the shadow of the Tour Eiffel.

In contrast, the women's race route will span 158 kilometres, featuring an altitude difference of 1,700 meters as declared by the organisers. Paolo Sangalli sees it this way: “The race will be 158 km plus 5 neutralised sections. Like every Olympic race, the characteristic feature will be the small number of athletes and therefore the difficulty of controlling the race. Following the start from the Trocadero, the route will lead us out of Paris into the French countryside, where we'll encounter six inclines. At the 117-kilometre mark, we'll embark on the first of three planned stages of the cobbled climb to Montmartre, a segment that will hold significant importance in shaping the outcome of the race. In the final circuit of 18.4km there are two more elevations which are ideal places to attack. The finish is 9.5 kilometres from the final passage from Montmartre after skirting the Seine and with the Tour Eiffel behind”.