All with their mindset already defined. This is the case, for example, of the very young talent Josh Tarling, the 20-year-old Briton, ready to make his Olympic debut in the 32.4 km individual time trial next Saturday. Despite his inexperience, the INEOS Grenadiers star has no qualms about expressing his ambition: "I want to win," he confidently stated during a recent video call with several media outlets. 

The promising athlete has proven to be a force to be reckoned with, having won the European time trial title and taken bronze at the 2023 World Championships. Facing rivals like Filippo Ganna and Remco Evenepoel does not intimidate him; rather, it seems to motivate him. "There are no expectations because I can't control that. As long as I know I've done everything I can on my part, I'll be happy," he declared.

While Tarling focuses on maximizing his performance on the fast and smooth roads of Paris, Wout van Aert adopts an innovative approach to the time trial. The Belgian has been seen training with a front disc wheel, a setup rarely used outdoors due to the difficulty of controlling in crosswinds. 

However, on the right day, this choice could make the difference between winning and losing. "The faster you go, the more stable it will be," explains Dr. B Xavier Disley, an aerodynamics expert who works with WorldTour teams. Van Aert, 29, is willing to try anything that might give him an edge in the race for gold.

Continuing with the parade of stars who will compete on wheels in Paris, there's Australian Lucas Plapp, on a different trajectory. After a solid performance, although affected by illness, in the Giro d'Italia, Plapp is ready to chase his Olympic dream in Paris. "I ride for the Olympic Games. That's the most important thing for me and what motivates me as an athlete," he confessed. 

This young cyclist has transitioned from the track to road racing and the WorldTour, continuously adapting and evolving in his career. In Tokyo 2021, Plapp took bronze in the team pursuit, and now in Paris, he aims to surpass that mark on the road.

Lotte Kopecky, both present and still future. At just 28 years old, the talented Belgian cyclist also arrives in Paris with great aspirations. Despite contracting Covid-19 after the women's Giro d'Italia, Kopecky has not lost sight of her goal of winning medals in the individual time trial, road race, and Omnium. 

"If I win a medal on Saturday, that would be great. If not, I know there will be days with slightly greater chances," she commented. Kopecky, current world champion on the road and medalist in the Omnium, has shown her resilience and determination. Her success at the UCI World Championships and her victory at Paris-Roubaix reinforce her position as one of the top contenders in these Games.

In great shape was also Tarling, "better prepared than ever," he recently confessed. He has ridden the Paris time trial circuit several times, ensuring he knows every curve and bump. "It's a course where you need absolute watts," he explained, emphasizing the importance of power and aerodynamic efficiency.

Meanwhile, Van Aert's innovative approach with the front disc wheel is a testament to his willingness to experiment and take risks. Despite the challenges this setup presents, it could provide the necessary aerodynamic advantage on the flat Paris course. "Good luck to him...", commented Tarling, with a mix of respect and skepticism. 

Van Aert's final decision will depend largely on the weather conditions on race day, but his willingness to innovate demonstrates his commitment to excellence.

Plapp, on the other hand, has dedicated much of his preparation to optimizing his performance in road competitions. His transition from the track to the WorldTour has been a continuous learning process, and his experience in the Giro d'Italia has provided valuable perspective. The Aussie sees the Olympic Games as the pinnacle of his career and is determined to leave an indelible mark in Paris. "That's the most important thing for me and what motivates me as an athlete," he reiterated, emphasizing his unwavering dedication.

Like Kopecky, despite recent setbacks, she remains one of the most versatile and complete cyclists in the peloton. Her ability to excel in both the time trial and road race and the Omnium makes her a constant threat. Her recovery from COVID-19 is a testament to her resilience and determination. "I think I'm immune to that for a while now," she joked, reflecting her positive attitude and pragmatic approach to the challenges she faces.

With the arrival of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, anticipation and excitement are at their peak. Each of these cyclists brings a unique combination of talent, strategy, and determination to the competition. From Tarling's meticulous preparation and Van Aert's innovation to Plapp's dedication and Kopecky's versatility, these Games promise to be an unforgettable spectacle. 

The athletes are ready to face the challenges that await them on the streets of Paris, where passion and effort will unfold in all their glory. The battle for supremacy in Olympic cycling is about to begin, and the world eagerly awaits to see who will take the glory in Paris.