In addition to Laporte, Team Visma | Lease a Bike riders Wout van Aert and Tiesj Benoot (Belgium), Attila Valter (Hungary), Matteo Jorgenson (United States), Dylan van Baarle (Netherlands), and Jan Tratnik (Slovenia) also participated in the Olympic road race.

Van Aert and Benoot assisted their Belgian teammate Evenepoel with several strong efforts, helping him secure the victory. Van Baarle played a crucial role throughout the race, helping his team leader Mathieu van der Poel. Valter (fourth), Tratnik (eighth), and Jorgenson (ninth) all achieved commendable positions.

“This is a dream,” Laporte stammered after the race. “We hoped to compete for the win with our country, but silver and bronze are also fantastic. I never dared to dream of this. To stand on the Olympic podium in Paris, near the Eiffel Tower, exceeds all my expectations.”

The Frenchman is still savoring the moment. “I am overjoyed with this bronze medal. To be honest, due to the chaos in the race, I didn’t realize I was sprinting for bronze. When I crossed the finish line, Valentin told me he had won silver and I had won bronze. It’s incredible. My wife and children are here, along with some good friends. That makes this medal even more special. I am very proud to do this for them and for France,” concluded a visibly emotional Laporte.