In Elan court, France, Team USA’s Haley Batten clinched a silver medal in the women’s mountain bike event at the Paris Games, finishing with a time of 1:28.59. French rider Pauline Ferrand-Prevot dominated the race early on to secure the gold with a time of 1:26:02, while Sweden’s Jenny Ristvedts earned the bronze with a time of 1:29.04.
Despite suffering a flat tire during the fourth of seven laps and being in fifth place at the time, Batten made a remarkable recovery to ascend the ranks and secure a podium spot. The sixth lap saw a fierce contest between Batten and Ristvedts as they vied for second place, exchanging positions several times before Batten surged ahead in the final lap. Ferrand-Prevot’s victory was solidified early, much to the delight of the local spectators.
Batten’s first medal comes in her second Olympic appearance, having finished ninth in Tokyo in 2021.
Batten, 25, of Park City, Utah, won her first national title at age 14 and turned professional by age 17, becoming the youngest member of Team USA mountain biking upon her qualification to compete in the Tokyo Games.
Batten is coached by former Team USA cyclist Kristin Armstrong, a three-time Olympic gold medalist. On Saturday, Armstrong also coached Team USA’s Chloe Dygert to a bronze medal in the women’s road cycling individual time trial.
Team USA mountain bikers have won just two Olympic medals previously, by Susan Demattei (1996, bronze), when the sport made its debut in Atlanta, and Georgia Gould (2012, bronze).
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