The reigning world and Olympic champion, Flora Duffy, has withdrawn from the Paris Olympic Test Event
The women’s race is due to kick off at 08:00 (CEST) tomorrow, however Duffy shared on social media that she will not be starting. On Instagram, she wrote that she is “not quite ready yet to race so unfortunately I have pulled out of the Paris test event. Very frustrating. However, it was great to see the venue, ride and swim the course. It is all amazing!”
With Duffy not ready to race and the WTCS Final a little over six weeks away, one conclusion is that her season for 2023 is over.
Due to a persistent knee problem that started last summer, Duffy has not raced this year. The Test Event was due to be her first race back although that will no longer be the case.
Her attention will now turn to 2024 and defending her Olympic crown. On that front, getting a taste for the course, albeit not in race conditions, will provide vital information. Going forwards, Duffy will be able to prepare for the Olympic Games with the exact route in mind.
With regards to the race itself, her withdrawal potentially opens up a spot for another athlete to take part. That being said, having withdrawn the night before the race, it may be a little too late for anyone to get to Paris in time, if they are not already there. Moreover any potential replacement will potentially have missed out on the course familiarizations.
You can see Duffy’s full post below.
