"A lot of riders fell today, the conditions were tough" - Chloe Dygert rues crash, wrecking her chances of Olympic gold

Chloé Dygert is the reigning World Champion in the time-trial discipline and after a difficult year with illnesses and injuries, she was still keen on winning the Olympic title. Her effort started off strong, but the American rider was one of the many who crashed today in Paris and had to settle for a bronze medal on the podium.

“I am very grateful that I was able to reach the finish. A lot of riders fell today, the conditions were tough. But they were the same for everyone," Dygert said in a post-race interview. "That is how cycling goes. I like these conditions, with the lower temperature and the roads that do not curve well. Every time trial is different. A lot depends on the mindset you go into it with. Grace [Brown] was the strongest.”

Dygert was within 5 seconds of Brown in the first intermediate point and was the only rider to be within victory besides the Australian. But shortly after this changed, and a crash made her lose significant time, besides putting her in a painful position naturally.

“I am not usually very emotional, but it was a tough day. My legs hurt, which worries me. But I can't complain. What a way Grace Brown can end her career, by the way. Congratulations to her," she added. Dygert finished 1:32 minutes away from the gold medal and 1 second away from silver, but still climbed onto the podium as the third strongest on the day.

“Being able to compete there after my fall is an absolute priority. I do not want to leave the other girls to their fate. We will do everything we can to let the injury heal," she concluded. The World Championships take place only in two months and by all means she should present herself there as a winning candidate.