NOT TO MISS
OLYMPIC GAMES WOMEN’S ROAD RACE
The reduced peloton tackles stunning coastal scenery in the Rio Olympic RR
25 July
| Japan | JO
A year later than expected, the 2020 Women’s Olympics road race is sure to be one of the most contested events of the year, and that’s just from within the Dutch team. The route covers 137km, beginning in Musashinonomori Park, then wending its way through the endless burbs of Tokyo before tackling Doushi Road, a long climb with a steady gradient, the Kagosaka Pass and a descent to the finishing circuit at the Fuji Speedway. Unlike the men, the women will not race up the iconic Mount Fuji, a slight that prompted an outcry from the peloton at the continued inequality between the different genders. It is difficult, though, to see beyond the strength of the Dutch team composed of reigning Olympic and world champion Anna van der Breggen, former Olympic champion Marianne Vos, former world champion Annemiek Van Vleuten and Demi Vollering, this year’s winner of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The challenges of holding such a team of strong individuals together, however, could provide an opportunity for someone else to pounce.