Portugal takes three road cyclists to the Olympic Games, including the first woman since Atlanta 1996

This Wednesday, the UCI released the final ranking of nations for 2023 and, as such, also determined the number of cyclists each country will be able to take to the 2024 Paris Olympics. In the men's ranking, Portugal is in 12th place, better than 14th in Rio 2016 and much better than 23rd in Tokyo 2020. In the women's ranking, Portugal is 45th.

As such, Portugal will take three road cyclists in its entourage: two men, the same duo competing in the cross-country race and the time trial; as well as a woman for the first time since Atlanta 1996, when Ana Barros wore the national colours and finished that race in 23rd place. The announcement regarding the Portuguese contingent was made by the Portuguese Cycling Federation.

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It's not yet known who will represent Portugal in Paris. However, cyclists such as Nelson Oliveira (whose result in the World Time Trial allowed Portugal to take two cyclists for the speciality), as well as João Almeida, Rui Costa, who has already set himself the goal of taking part in the Olympic mission, and Ruben Guerreiro are likely options.

In the women's race, Maria "Tata" Martins and Daniela Campos stand out as the biggest candidates for a historic place in Paris. Portugal's probable representation in track cycling could lead to them being left out of the road race, leaving the spot open for cyclists such as Beatriz Pereira, Cristiana Valente, Ana Caramelo, Vera Vilaça, among others.

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