Pauline Ferrand-Prevot of France achieved her long-awaited Olympic gold medal on Sunday after more than a decade of pursuit. Haley Batten seized the opportunity when two of her main competitors encountered misfortune, securing the best finish for an American rider with a silver medal.

As Ferrand-Prevot crossed the finish line, she raised her arms in triumph, prompting the thousands-strong crowd to break into a joyous serenade to celebrate the new champion. She swiftly dismounted her bike and proudly held it high above her head on the gravel, finishing straight.

Finishing 2 minutes and 57 seconds ahead of Batten, Ferrand-Prevot’s dominance was evident as she outpaced Rio gold medalist Jenny Rissveds on the final lap. Rissveds, after a two-year hiatus focused on her mental health, showcased an emotional comeback by securing the third position.

In the midst of the race, another French favourite Loana Lecomte held the third position before encountering a treacherous rock garden. A brutal crash put paid to her Olympic dream.