1 October 2024
Brownsburg, IN — Chloé Dygert, Brownsburg’s own professional cyclist, added another impressive achievement to her already distinguished career, securing a silver medal in the Women’s Road Race at the 2024 UCI Road World Championships in Zurich, Switzerland, on Saturday, September 28.
In a grueling race marked by rainy conditions and intense competition, Dygert crossed the finish line just a bike length behind the gold medalist, finishing second in a dramatic sprint that kept spectators on edge until the very end. Competing against some of the best cyclists in the world, Dygert’s near-victory has drawn significant attention from her hometown of Brownsburg, as well as the broader Indiana cycling community.
The 127-kilometer race through the Swiss countryside proved particularly challenging due to the wet weather, with slick roads making handling difficult and increasing the risk of crashes. Despite the challenging conditions, Dygert, known for her tenacity and strong tactical skills, remained in the leading group throughout the race, positioning herself for a final push in the closing kilometers.
The final stretch saw Dygert and two other riders break away from the main peloton in an intense fight for the podium. In the last 500 meters, Dygert launched a powerful sprint, but was narrowly edged out by Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky, who took the gold. Dutch rider Demi Vollering rounded out the podium, finishing third.
This silver medal adds to Dygert’s growing list of accolades, cementing her reputation as one of the top cyclists in the world. The Brownsburg native has previously claimed multiple world championships in track cycling and time trials, but her performance in Zurich is particularly notable as it came in the road race discipline, a grueling test of endurance, strategy, and power.
Speaking to reporters after the race, Dygert discussed her performance while acknowledging the difficulty of the conditions.
The result has been met with excitement back in Brownsburg, where local residents have followed Dygert’s career closely. Brownsburg High School, where Dygert graduated, posted a congratulatory message on its social media pages, while local cycling enthusiasts and clubs have been celebrating her success. Dygert’s achievement is seen as an inspiration to young athletes in the area, particularly those involved in cycling.
Chloe Dygert also saw great success earlier this summer when she finished with a bronze medal after she also crashed in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. This bronze medal ride secured the third Olympic medal of her career, but her first in the Time Trial. She went on to win the Women’s Team Pursuit with her teammates as well, taking her fourth career Olympic medal, and her third consecutive in the Team Pursuit.
Dygert’s professional career began at a young age, and she quickly rose through the ranks of international cycling. She first gained widespread attention in 2015 when she won junior world titles in both the road race and time trial events. Since then, she has gone on to win multiple elite-level world championships in time trials and on the track, becoming a dominant force in women’s cycling.
Her success at the Olympics and the World Championships in Zurich comes after a challenging period of recovery from injury. Dygert suffered a serious crash in 2020 during the time trial event at the Road World Championships, which resulted in a lengthy rehabilitation process. She returned to racing in 2021 and has since worked her way back to the top of the sport, demonstrating both physical and mental resilience.
The Brownsburg native’s return to top form has been a point of pride for her hometown, and local fans have eagerly followed her progress throughout the season. Many in Brownsburg remember Dygert’s early days in the sport, when she began cycling as a teenager before quickly moving into elite competition. Her rapid ascent in the cycling world has made her a local hero, and her latest achievement further solidifies her status as one of the town’s most successful athletes.
In Zurich, the road race conditions were far from ideal. Rain began early in the race and continued throughout, forcing riders to navigate treacherous roads and reducing visibility in some sections of the course. The slick surface caused several crashes, though Dygert managed to avoid any major incidents. Her ability to stay upright and in contention during such a hazardous race speaks to her skill and experience as a rider.
As the race progressed, it became clear that the competition would come down to a final sprint, with Dygert positioning herself strategically in the lead group. The final kilometers were intense, as riders jostled for position, waiting for the right moment to launch their sprints. Dygert timed her effort well, surging forward with 300 meters to go, but Kopecky’s sprint was just too strong in the final meters, leaving Dygert to settle for silver.
As Dygert continues to compete at the highest level, she remains a prominent figure not only in the world of professional cycling but also in her hometown of Brownsburg. Her silver medal at the World Championships adds to her legacy and brings pride to a community that has supported her throughout her journey.
Looking ahead, Dygert has several key competitions on the horizon, including the UCI Track Cycling World Championships later this year, where she is expected to contend for multiple titles. Brownsburg residents will undoubtedly be following her progress closely, cheering on their hometown hero as she continues to represent both her town and her country on the international stage.
For now, Dygert’s silver medal in Zurich stands as a testament to her perseverance and skill, as she remains a leading figure in the sport of cycling. Congratulations Chloe’ !