Olympic women's cycling road race predictions: Vollering not ruled out

Free Olympic cycling tips, best bets and analysis for the women's road race at Tokyo 2020.

Where to watch

BBC, 5am Sunday

Best bets

Demi Vollering to win the women's Olympic road race
1pt each-way 15-2 bet365

Women's road race preview

If the betting is to be believed, a Dutchwoman will win the Olympic road race, but trying to work out which member of the Netherlands' four-strong team will claim gold is no easy task.

Just 67 riders will compete in the women's race, 63 fewer than the men, and they are faced with a 137km route starting at Musashinonomori Park and ending at the Fuji International Speedway after climbs on the Doushi Road and the Kagasoka Pass.

The Dutch boast a fearsome squad which includes defending Olympic champion Anna van der Breggen and decorated veteran Annemiek van Vleuten, who are both likely to try to ride away on the Kagasoka.

They are joined by Marianne Vos, who claimed gold at London 2012, and up-and-coming Demi Vollering, who has duelled with Vos on more than one occasion this year.

Much depends on the tactics deployed by the Dutch, all of whom are shorter than 8-1, but their strength in numbers should allow them to control the race and make life tough for Great Britain's Lizzie Deignan, who has just teammate Anna Shackley to count on.

The climbs, while difficult, are not that brutal, and point to this race developing into a small, select sprint which could be contested chiefly by Vos and Vollering if they can make it over the Kagaoska in touch.

Vollering, runner-up to Vos in the Amstel Gold Race but a winner of Liege-Bastogne-Liege and La Course by Le Tour - where she outsprinted her compatriot - is improving swiftly and looks the pick at the prices.

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport