- US cyclist Taylor Knibb experienced four falls during a challenging race
- Pre-race favourite Chloe Dygert’s fall cost her the chance to win gold
- Stay updated on the Olympics by following Mail Sport’s live blog here
Numerous cyclists experienced falls during the first morning of the Paris Olympics, hindered by the slick conditions.
US competitor Taylor Knibb wiped out four times during the women’s road cycling time trials as rain poured down in the French capital.
Her mechanic soon followed suit, tumbling onto the road while attempting to deliver a new bike to her.
Chloe Dygert, a favorite before the race, also fell while trying to catch Australian Grace Brown, who ultimately won the gold.
Dygert missed a medal by just one second behind Team GB’s Anna Henderson, who secured a stunning silver.
American cyclist Taylor Knibb (pictured) fell off her bike during the women’s time trial in Paris
Knibb lost control going around a bend, falling to the ground and sliding for a few moments before recovering.
Her mechanic also lost control and fell onto the road while hurrying to provide a new bike for her.
The race was fraught with crashes as cyclists tackled the perilous Paris conditions, knowing that any fall could finalize their medal chances.
Early on, Denmark’s Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig fell on her side before delicately getting back on her bike.
Then disaster struck for American contender Knibb, who had been the fastest at the 13.1km intermediate mark, as she fell twice within minutes, once in the same place as her Danish rival.
Knibb’s trajectory was entirely disrupted when she suffered a tire puncture amidst the pouring rain, after which her mechanic slipped as he arrived to replace her bike.
Despite the rain subsiding, Paris’s roads remained soaked, with gloomy skies creating a dramatic backdrop for the event.
Reigning road race world champion Lotte Kopecky became the next victim of the slippery surfaces, falling hard onto the concrete.
As the first riders crossed the finish line, it became evident how the weather had affected the competitors, with many struggling to complete the race with bruised bodies and scraped knees.
Australia’s Grace Brown achieved a fantastic victory amidst the chaos, concluding a career that will end after this season.
Numerous athletes fell during today’s event, but Knibb faced the most challenges.
Knibb’s aspirations were utterly thwarted when she faced a puncture amid the rain.
Team GB’s Anna Henderson (pictured) won silver after a remarkable comeback from two collarbone injuries over the past six months.
Chloe Dygert’s (pictured) aspirations for gold were ended due to a crash this afternoon.
Henderson during the women’s time trial, which was dominated by falls and crashes.
Her victory margin was an impressive 91 seconds, made even more remarkable by the strength of her competitors and the difficult conditions.
Following closely was Britain’s Henderson, who made a remarkable comeback after suffering two collarbone injuries in just six months.
The 25-year-old was supported by Olympic legend Dame Kelly Holmes, who sheltered under a black umbrella.
