Michael Matthews fights to top 15 in men's road race

Michael Matthews has fought hard to be Australia’s best finisher in 15th place after a tough and selective men’s Olympic road race.

On his Olympic debut, the Canberran enjoyed the full backing of Aussie teammates Simon Clarke and Ben O’Connor, who delivered Matthews into good position when the decisive action began on the urban streets of Paris.

The 273-kilometre epic – the longest in Olympic history – came down to the final hour of racing, which included three ascents of the cobbled Côte de la Butte Montmartre (1.1km, 5.6%).

On the first climb, pre-race favourite Mathieu van der Poel (NED) attacked from the peloton, bringing clear a select group of strong riders. While Matthews did not match the Dutchman’s initial acceleration, he was able to rely on Clarke, with help from the Danish team, to bring the dangerous group back into the fold.

Next to attack was time trial gold medallist Remco Evenepoel (BEL), who bridged to members of an earlier breakaway at the front of the race.

Matthews, Clarke and O’Connor remained in the main peloton which again splintered on the second Montmartre ascent – again, it was under the impetus of van der Poel.

Having been placed near the front by O’Connor and Clarke – the latter even leading the peloton at the base of the climb – this time Matthews did the chasing himself, and was able to rejoin the favourites on the descent.

Simon Clarke leads the peloton up the Montmartre climb. (Photo: Tim de Waele/Getty Images)

What followed was 25 kilometres of uncontrolled racing as the counterattacks flew from what was left of the peloton – which, by this point, numbered only around 20 men. Matthews was seen responding to multiple moves, fighting hard to keep himself in the hunt for results.

However, most of this fatigued main group, including Matthews, never got back into contention for the medals, but continued to split and re-form in the run to the line.

Up the road, Evenepoel soloed to victory by over a minute ahead of his former breakaway companion Valentin Madouas (FRA). Christophe Laporte (FRA) led home a group of chasers to take the bronze medal.

Matthews won the sprint for 15th place from his group, just over two minutes down on the winner.

Clarke came home in 32nd place after emptying himself for the team. O’Connor finished in another group further down, having also completed a selfless shift after his late call-up to the team.

The road cycling program will conclude tomorrow with the women’s road race, where Lauretta Hanson, Ruby Roseman-Gannon and time trial winner Grace Brown will represent Australia.

Feature photo: Tim de Waele/Getty Images