Olympic glory beckons: Pidcock on cloud nine, a determined Alaphilippe... Van der Poel better watch out

Tom Pidcock and Julian Alaphilippe are lining up at the start of the road race at the Olympic Games with nothing less than dreams of gold. The Brit of INEOS Grenadiers and the Frenchman of Soudal-Quick Step are, according to their own words, ready to take on the top favorites.

Since last Monday, Pidcock has been on cloud nine after successfully defending his Olympic title on the mountain bike. After celebrating his 25th birthday on Tuesday, his focus shifted entirely to the road race. The winner of Strade Bianche, the Amstel Gold Race and a Tour de France stage is aiming for gold yet again. He is supported by an excellent team comprising Joshua Tarling, Stephen Williams and Fred Wright.

"The win on the mountain bike has given him a tremendous confidence boost for the road race," warns Stephen Parks of the British Cycling Federation at Cyclingnews. "We will need to ride well as a team, and then Tom has the legs to go for it. Everyone is ready to race for him, and it should be a fantastic race. Gold is possible, but if there’s one unpredictable discipline in cycling, it’s the road race. The course is tough, it will be a war, and everyone wants to win. Nevertheless, we are going for it and will definitely be in the running for victory."

Alaphilippe in top form just in time?

The French public will be cheering for the four riders representing France on Saturday. Alaphilippe will be accompanied by Kévin Vauquelin, Valentin Madouas and Christophe Laporte. On paper, it’s a quartet where Alaphilippe and Laporte, given their individual characteristics, could aim for gold. Alaphilippe already won a stage in this year’s Giro d'Italia and recently also stages in the Tour of Slovakia and the Tour of the Czech Republic. "I’ve been focusing on the Olympics for a while now, preparing well," he said at the French press conference, as quoted by Cyclism'Actu.

Alaphilippe calls the Olympics in France "very special". It's a tournament he has been looking forward to for years. "I’m the only rider from the French team who didn’t ride the Tour de France. I chose a different approach. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way, as I came out of the Tour of the Czech Republic well. I feel good and have done everything I can. We will give it our all on Saturday, although we know our place. Others are favorites."