Portugal made history by winning its first Olympic gold medal in track cycling during the men’s Madison event at the Paris 2024 Games. Cyclists Iúri Leitão and Rui Oliveira executed a strategic race to outpace Italy and Denmark, securing a memorable victory for their nation.
A Historic Win for Portugal
Iúri Leitão and Rui Oliveira’s victory in the men’s Madison was a landmark achievement for Portugal. The duo managed to gain a lap on the field with about 40 laps remaining, earning 20 points. They then won the final four sprints, including the last one worth double points, to finish with a total of 55 points. This performance allowed them to surpass Italy and Denmark, who finished with 47 and 41 points, respectively.
The Strategy Behind the Win
Leitão, who was fatigued after competing in the omnium earlier, was advised by Oliveira to conserve energy and let other teams tire themselves out. This strategy paid off as they surged ahead in the final laps. “I was really fatigued after the omnium,” Leitão said. “He said: ‘No worries. We will take it step by step. We will let them get fatigued, and in the end, we will have a word to say.’”
The Madison Event
The Madison is a 200-lap tag-team race where teams earn points in sprints every 10 laps and can gain a 20-point bonus for lapping the field. One rider is in the race at a time, but they can tag in their partner at any point. The event is known for its chaotic and dramatic nature, and this year’s race was no exception.
Challenges and Crashes
The race was not without its challenges. Team GB’s Ollie Wood experienced a crash after being hit by Jan-Willem van Schip of the Netherlands, who was later disqualified for the incident. Despite the crashes and intense competition, Portugal’s strategic approach and endurance led them to victory.
Reactions and Reflections
Oliveira expressed his disbelief and joy at winning the gold medal, especially given Portugal’s relatively young track cycling program. “I’ve had so many disappointments through all these years,” Oliveira said. “Our track program in Portugal is like, 14 years old. This is nothing compared with all these big nations. We’re not even close to being the favorites for this race.”
Looking Ahead
The track cycling events at the Paris 2024 Games continue to captivate audiences. The men’s Madison win sets the stage for more thrilling competitions, including the women’s sprint and men’s keirin events. As the Games progress, athletes from around the world will continue to push the limits of their endurance and skill.
