Meet the American cyclists who want to take American track cycling to new heights
Jennifer Valente She began track cycling as a teenager in San Diego, California. Her early involvement in the sport gave her a strong strategic backbone that she used to great effect in international competitions. She Olympic Medals As a member of the team pursuit Rio 2016But her greatest achievement came five years later. Tokyo 2020 She became the first American to win the women's omnium.
Taken over four different distances and four unique formats, the Omnium tests a rider's strategic ability, endurance and speed, and Valente has consistently proven he has the right mix of all three to win. Consecutive World Titles The 29-year-old will compete in Paris in 2024 as an experienced core member of the U.S. track cycling team, aiming to win medals in three events at the Games.
“I'm thrilled to have officially been selected for my third Olympic team,” Valente told USA Cycling. “The Olympics have always been special for me, and this time is just as magical. The journey to Paris has been a unique process with new challenges in the shortened quads, and I'm excited to compete alongside my longtime teammates and some new faces.”
One of his longtime teammates is Madison's partner. Riley WilliamsWilliams is a member of the team pursuit team. won bronze medal Although she started cycling much later than Valente, she quickly rose through the professional ranks and found her place on the wooden planks of the velodrome. Paris 2024 will be her second Olympic Games. Olympic Games.
She told USA Cycling: “I'm thrilled to have been selected for my second Olympic Games in Paris. Tokyo was a mixed emotional experience for me, but I put all of that into a lot of work, dedicated my career to the sport and seeing what I can do.”
“I'd like to thank everyone who has been on my side, especially my partner Gavin, my coaching staff and my road team Human Powered Health, who have supported me and helped me to always be honest with myself about my progress. Thanks to all this, I'll be competing in two events in Paris: the team pursuit and the madison, which I've been studying and working on since Tokyo. It's really nice to see all that hard work pay off and I'm really excited to see what I can do in Paris.”
Another rider bringing Olympic experience to the Paris 2024 line-up is Chloe Dygert. Two-time Olympic medalist In the women's team pursuit, she will again be racing around the boards, aiming to beat the time and her rivals.
The 27-year-old Brownsburg, Indiana native has a knack for racing against the clock when it matters most. World Records Track Cycling Personal Pursuits,and Current individual time trial world champion in Road cyclingDygert, a two-wheel doubles threat, is expected to race in both events. Paris 2024.
She told USA Cycling, “I feel so blessed to be representing the U.S. at my third Olympic Games. I'm so grateful to all those who work behind the scenes to help me perform at my best both on and off the bike. See you in Paris.”
