PARIS (AP) — With the iconic Eiffel Tower in the background and the sun illuminating the scene at the Paris Olympics, Kristen Faulkner proudly stood on the podium, her hand placed over her heart as the American national anthem resonated.
She briefly closed her eyes, allowing the significance of her victory in the women’s road race to fully register.
Faulkner, a former Harvard rower who earned her place on the Olympic team as a substitute, made history by becoming the first American cyclist in four decades to secure a medal in this event.
She executed her attack with impeccable timing against a field of significantly more seasoned competitors, including Dutch cyclist Marianne Vos, recognized as one of the greatest female cyclists in history.
“It’s a dream come true,” Kristen Faulkner expressed. “It’s the most incredible feeling imaginable. I find it difficult to articulate.”
The 158-kilometer (98-mile) course commenced and concluded in Paris, with Faulkner completing the race at the Trocadéro in just under four hours.
Kristen Faulkner completed the race with a lead of 58 seconds over Vos, Lotte Kopecky from Belgium, and Blanka Vas from Hungary, who were determined by a photo finish, resulting in Vos securing the silver medal and Kopecky earning the bronze.
With approximately three kilometers remaining, Faulkner and Kopecky caught up to Vos and Vas. As Faulkner launched her attack, the other three competitors hesitated and were unable to close the gap.
The 31-year-old native of Alaska is the first American to earn a medal in a road race of any kind since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where Connie Carpenter and Alexi Grewal both won gold medals.
Kristen Faulkner’s journey to professional cycling has been unconventional.
Initially a varsity rower at Harvard, she transitioned into investment banking after graduating in 2016. She began cycling for leisure on the streets of New York City, and during her inaugural year as a professional, she maintained a full-time position at a Silicon Valley company.
“I took a significant risk a few years ago to pursue my dream,” she remarked. “I made it happen.”
Kristen Faulkner only became familiar with clip-in pedals in 2017.
She articulated, “The journey has been remarkably swift. For those nearest to me, it has truly been a whirlwind experience.”
Her perspective on cycling was shaped by her background as a venture capitalist.
“I acquired the skills to evaluate and manage risks,” she remarked. “During a race, I carry that mindset with me: What is the risk-reward ratio? Understanding when to fully commit.”
Kristen Faulkner secured the U.S. road race title in May; however, she did not qualify for the Olympic road race, as Chloe Dygert and American time trial champion Taylor Knibb received the two automatic spots. It was only after Knibb’s withdrawal last month to concentrate on the Olympic triathlon that Kristen Faulkner was named as a replacement.
Currently, she is striving for a second medal in the team pursuit, which commences on Tuesday with the qualifying rounds.
“I stated that I would only participate in the road race if I felt strong and believed I had a chance at a medal,” Faulkner noted. “I was aware that it would be an extremely challenging race, but if I was competing, I was competing to win. That was a commitment I made to my teammates in the team pursuit.”
Enthusiastic crowds applauded as the cyclists passed through Paris’ Latin Quarter and continued along the route past the Orsay Museum, which was formerly a train station.
The journey culminated with three ascents to Montmartre, a district in Paris renowned for its charming cobblestone streets, its artistic ambiance, and most prominently, the striking white Sacré Coeur basilica that stands majestically atop Montmartre hill, seemingly overseeing the city’s inhabitants.
Afghan sisters Fariba and Yulduz Hashimi were momentarily part of an early breakaway but were soon reeled back in. Slovakian Nora Jencusova then made a solo escape, later joined by the Hashimi sisters and two additional cyclists.
Upon entering Paris, the riders sped past throngs of spectators gathered around the Louvre museum, which houses the Mona Lisa, as the breakaway group was ultimately absorbed by the peloton.
As the cyclists approached the iconic 1-kilometer ascent of Butte-Montmartre for the first time, a new leading group emerged, consisting of Vos, Italian Elisa Longo Borghini, and Faulkner. Kopecky pursued vigorously on her own and managed to catch up with the leading group with approximately 40 kilometers remaining.
Defending champion Anna Kiesenhofer of Austria, who had triumphed in Tokyo due to her competitors overlooking her presence at the front, finished in 52nd place, nearly eight minutes behind.
With 20 kilometers remaining, Vos and Bas launched their attack. However, they were unable to create a significant lead, allowing Kristen Faulkner to remain patient.
“I was aware that Kopecky aimed to bridge the gap to the leading duo, so I anticipated she would ride alongside me. I realized that if we managed to catch them, I would need to make my move, as I could not outpace either of them in a sprint,” Faulkner explained. “The optimal moment to strike was immediately after we closed the distance, when everyone was fatigued. That was my opportunity; I had rehearsed my late attack multiple times this year.”
Kristen Faulkner has ended a lengthy drought for American road race medals, which had not been achieved since the Los Angeles Games.
She is now poised to defend her medal at the 2028 Games.
