THE WOMEN’S individual time trial saw a cyclist crash three times in wet conditions.
USA athlete Taylor Knibb endured a difficult ride through Paris on Saturday.
Her team mechanic also hit the floor during the first cycling event of the 2024 Olympic Games.
Torrential rain left the road extremely slippery as riders aimed to navigate the course.
Several athletes crashed due to the conditions, but Knibb suffered more than others.
The 26-year-old, who won silver in the mixed relay triathlon in Tokyo three years ago, was unseated three times.
Her first crash came just three minutes into her ride, before the mechanic helped her back onto the bike.
Reacting to the crash, Chris Boardman admitted on commentary: “They need to get a judge on that corner.”
After Knibb was given a push to start again she immediately crashed into a camera man.
Another two crashes followed before a technical default forced the American to change her bike.
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However, as the mechanic ran over carrying a replacement bike, he slipped and fell over himself.
Knibb was able to complete the race despite the crashes, posting a time of 43:03.46.
The time was not enough to take the lead, though, with Knibb comfortably out of medal contention with several riders still to finish.
She is also slated to compete in the triathlon later in the games, with the women’s individual event scheduled for Wednesday.
The mixed relay will take place during the second week of the games on August 5.
