Lance Armstrong Hails Kristen Faulkner’s ‘Impressive’ Gold Medal Ride: ‘She Put the Hammer Down!’
In the world of competitive cycling, certain performances transcend the sport and resonate as defining moments in an athlete’s career. Kristen Faulkner’s gold medal ride at the 2024 Olympic Games was one such performance—a demonstration of sheer power, tactical brilliance, and unyielding determination. Among the many accolades that poured in following her victory, one of the most notable came from cycling legend Lance Armstrong, who described Faulkner’s ride as “impressive” and remarked, “She put the hammer down!”
The Lead-Up to the Olympics: Faulkner’s Road to Glory
Kristen Faulkner’s journey to Olympic glory has been marked by perseverance, hard work, and a steady rise through the ranks of professional cycling. Born in Alaska, Faulkner’s path to the upper echelons of the sport was unconventional. Unlike many of her peers, she didn’t grow up racing in Europe or on the elite American circuit from a young age. Instead, Faulkner began her professional career later than most, after a successful academic stint at Harvard University, where she balanced academics with collegiate rowing before fully committing to cycling.
After turning professional, Faulkner quickly made a name for herself as a rider with immense potential. Her strong performances in stage races and one-day classics earned her a reputation as a powerful all-rounder, capable of excelling in time trials and on punchy climbs. By the time the 2024 Olympic Games rolled around, Faulkner was recognized as one of the top contenders in the women’s road race, a title earned through a series of impressive results in the lead-up to the Games.
The 2024 season saw Faulkner consistently challenging the best in the world, with podium finishes in major races like Strade Bianche, the Tour de Suisse, and the Giro Donne. Her versatility as a rider—combining time-trialing prowess, climbing ability, and tactical intelligence—made her a formidable competitor. This all-around skill set would prove to be the foundation of her success at the Olympics.
The Olympic Road Race: A Test of Strength and Strategy
The Olympic women’s road race in Paris was always going to be a fierce battle. The course, which featured a mix of flat sections, technical descents, and challenging climbs, was designed to test every aspect of a rider’s abilities. The race attracted the world’s best, including reigning world champions, seasoned veterans, and emerging stars. Among them, Kristen Faulkner stood out not only for her physical form but also for her tactical acumen and mental preparation.
The race began under clear skies, with the peloton navigating the streets of Paris before heading into the more challenging terrain outside the city. Early on, the pace was high, with several teams trying to control the race and set up their leaders for the decisive moments. Faulkner, however, rode with patience and intelligence, conserving her energy and staying in the main group while others expended valuable resources in the early breakaways.
As the race progressed and the riders faced the first significant climbs, the peloton began to thin out. Faulkner, always well-positioned, avoided the pitfalls of crashes and mechanical issues that plagued some of her rivals. Her ability to read the race, combined with her strength, kept her near the front as the contenders started to emerge.
The turning point came on one of the race’s key climbs—a steep, narrow ascent that had the potential to blow the race apart. Sensing an opportunity, Faulkner moved to the front, increasing the tempo and putting pressure on the other riders. Her attack was measured but powerful, a sustained effort that gradually wore down her rivals. One by one, the other contenders began to drop off the pace, unable to match Faulkner’s relentless acceleration.
By the time Faulkner reached the summit, only a handful of riders remained with her, and it was clear that she was the strongest of the group. From this point on, Faulkner took control of the race, dictating the pace on the flats and using her descending skills to maintain her advantage on the downhills. The breakaway group, now reduced to just three riders, worked together to distance the chasers, but it was Faulkner who did most of the work, driving the pace and ensuring that the gap to the peloton remained significant.
The Final Attack: Faulkner Seals the Victory
As the race entered its final phase, it became clear that the gold medal would be decided among the leading trio. Faulkner, who had conserved just enough energy for the final push, bided her time, waiting for the perfect moment to launch her decisive attack. With just a few kilometers to go, she made her move.
On a short but sharp rise leading into the final flat section, Faulkner surged ahead, catching her rivals off guard. The attack was explosive, a burst of power that left her competitors struggling to respond. Faulkner’s timing was impeccable—she knew that if she could break away here, it would be nearly impossible for the others to close the gap before the finish.
As Faulkner powered away, the crowds lining the route erupted in cheers, realizing they were witnessing a historic moment. With every pedal stroke, she increased her lead, her powerful legs churning out watts as she sped towards the finish line. Behind her, the chasers were left in her wake, unable to match the pace that Faulkner was setting.
In the final kilometer, it became clear that Faulkner was going to win. She maintained her focus, keeping her effort steady and ensuring that there would be no last-minute surprises. As she rounded the final corner and saw the finish line ahead, a smile broke across her face—she knew she had done it. Crossing the line with her arms raised in triumph, Faulkner became the Olympic champion, a victory that was as much about her physical strength as it was about her tactical brilliance.
Lance Armstrong’s Praise: A Legend Recognizes Talent
The cycling world was quick to respond to Faulkner’s incredible performance, but perhaps the most notable praise came from Lance Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France winner and one of the most iconic figures in the sport. Armstrong, who knows a thing or two about winning big races, was effusive in his admiration for Faulkner’s ride.
In a post-race interview, Armstrong described Faulkner’s performance as “impressive” and commented on her ability to seize the race at the right moment. “Kristen Faulkner put the hammer down when it mattered most,” Armstrong said. “She showed incredible strength, but what really stood out to me was her tactical awareness. She knew exactly when to attack, and she didn’t hesitate. That’s what it takes to win at this level.”
Armstrong’s praise is significant, not just because of his status as a cycling legend, but because of his deep understanding of the sport’s intricacies. Armstrong’s career was built on his ability to dominate races through a combination of physical power and strategic intelligence—qualities that he saw reflected in Faulkner’s ride.
Armstrong went on to highlight the importance of Faulkner’s preparation, noting that her success was not just about what happened on race day, but about the months and years of hard work leading up to it. “You don’t win Olympic gold just by showing up,” Armstrong said. “It takes years of dedication, sacrifice, and perfect preparation. Kristen clearly put in the work, and today we saw the results. She’s an incredible athlete, and this is just the beginning for her.”
A Victory for the Ages: Faulkner’s Impact on Cycling
Kristen Faulkner’s gold medal ride at the Olympics will be remembered as one of the great performances in the history of women’s cycling. Her victory not only solidifies her place among the sport’s elite but also serves as an inspiration to a new generation of cyclists, particularly in the United States, where female riders continue to make their mark on the international stage.
Faulkner’s win is also significant for what it represents: the triumph of perseverance and hard work. Coming into the sport relatively late and balancing it with a demanding academic career, Faulkner’s rise to the top is a testament to what can be achieved with determination and a clear focus on one’s goals.
As Faulkner stood on the podium, the gold medal around her neck and the American flag draped over her shoulders, it was clear that this was a moment she had earned through years of effort. The tears in her eyes reflected the emotion of the achievement, but they also hinted at the pride she felt—not just in winning, but in the journey that had brought her to this point.
For the cycling world, Faulkner’s victory is a reminder of the sport’s unpredictability and the importance of resilience. In a field full of established champions and rising stars, it was Faulkner who emerged victorious, proving that on any given day, the right combination of preparation, strategy, and determination can lead to greatness.
What’s Next for Faulkner?
With an Olympic gold medal now in her possession, the future looks incredibly bright for Kristen Faulkner. At 31, she is entering what could be the prime of her career, with the experience, confidence, and physical capability to achieve even greater things in the sport. Her victory in Paris is likely to be a springboard for further success, both in the remaining races of 2024 and beyond.
Looking ahead, Faulkner will be one of the favorites in every major race she enters. The World Championships, the Grand Tours, and the Classics will all present opportunities for her to add to her growing palmarès. With the confidence that comes from winning on the biggest stage of all, Faulkner is poised to take on the best in the world and
