The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics promise to redefine cycling excitement with a lineup of rising stars and established champions. As the Games are set to run from July 12 to July 30—directly clashing with the Tour de France—athletes face tough decisions balancing prestige, fatigue, and timing,
The 2028 cycling events fall right in the middle of the Tour de France—creating a calendar clash that may force many elite riders to choose between peak season goals.
Key Cyclists to Watch at LA Olympics 2028
Emma Finucane (GBR)
A sprint phenom, British cyclist Emma Finucane won three medals in Paris 2024 and targets triple gold in LA 2028. Her track sprinting and keirin dominance make her a top pick for Team GB’s medal haul. At just 22, she’s focused on refining weaknesses and building on her world championship sprint titles
Matthew Richardson (GBR)
Formerly racing for Australia, Richardson switched allegiance to Great Britain to join Emma Finucane in the British sprint squad. With silver and bronze medals from Paris 2024 in sprint and keirin, he could bolster GB’s medal chances in 2028,
Ellesse Andrews (NZL)
New Zealand track star Ellesse Andrews claimed gold in sprint and keirin at Paris 2024 and nearly clinched team sprint silver. Her versatility across disciplines and upward trajectory mark her as one to watch in the next quadrennial.
Rebecca Petch (NZL)
A silver medalist in the team sprint at Paris, Petch blends BMX grit with track speed. At 26, she’s entering her performance prime, poised to contribute to New Zealand’s medal ambitions across track sprint events,
Marlies Mejías (CUB)
Cuban powerhouse Marlies Mejías has amassed 34 podiums in early 2025 while balancing motherhood and racing. She’s making a comeback that includes Olympic aspirations, and her explosive road and track racing style makes her an elite contender for 2028,
Remco Evenepoel (BEL)
Though not an Olympian in Paris 2024’s sprint events, Evenepoel earned two gold medals and showed Grand Tour evolution. With his TT and road capabilities, he remains a central figure for Belgium in both road race and time trial events come LA 2028.
Tadej Pogačar (SVN)
Fresh off a fourth Tour de France win, Pogačar has hinted that the 2028 Olympics could be a defining moment before considering retirement. His status as one of the world’s top cyclists makes him a strong Olympic prospect, depending on scheduling and recovery plans.
How the Calendar Clash Might Shape the Field
Tour de France vs Olympic Road Race
With cycling events likely overlapping the Tour de France, many riders may face a choice: compete in Grand Tour glory or shift focus to Olympic medals. This scheduling conflict raises questions about:
- Peak form timing for both events
- Team prioritization between national and trade team goals
- Recovery and fatigue in condensed race calendars.
Strategic Training and Selection
Cyclists like Pogačar and Van der Poel may carefully plan their seasons to peak either for the Tour or the Olympic road race. National federations could strategically prioritize riders who can balance both or specialize in sprint and track disciplines less impacted by the clash.
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Why These Nations Stand Out
- Great Britain: A sprint dynasty fueled by Finucane and Richardson.
- New Zealand: Balanced strength in both sprint (Andrews, Petch) and growing road programs.
- Belgium: Known for road and time trial dominance with riders like Evenepoel.
- Cuba/USA: Emerging talent in Mejías transcends national and personal hurdles, injecting diversity and depth.
What to Expect in LA 2028
- Sprint events: Expect British dominance with Finucane and Richardson targeting multiple golds.
- Road race and time trials: Evenepoel, Pogačar, and potential wildcard athletes could define medal podiums.
- Track specialists: Andrews and Petch will likely compete fiercely across multiple events.
- Upsets and newcomers: Riders from African, Caribbean, and Latin American teams may break through with surprise medals.
Conclusion
As the Olympics 2028 cycling lineup takes shape, attention focuses on riders whose momentum built at Paris 2024 carries forward—and those rising rapidly across the globe. With the Tour de France and Olympic road race overlapping, strategic choices will shape who turns up in LA at full strength.
Whether sprint legends clinch gold, road giants vie for yellow jerseys, or track sprinters defend their form, the storylines promise to captivate. Keep an eye on Emma Finucane, Matthew Richardson, Ellesse Andrews, Rebecca Petch, Remco Evenepoel, Tadej Pogačar, and Marlies Mejías—these are the cyclists most likely to define LA’s races.