Who Is Going to The Olympics? 3

Following the conclusions of FISE: Chengdu and the 2019 UCI Urban World Championships, we have a much clearer picture of the Olympic landscape as we quickly approach 2020. Many countries have secured their spots, while others must face the harsh reality that they will likely not be included.

The Olympic Qualification Period runs until May 11, 2020, but unless more World Cup events are added before then (which is possible, though I believe unlikely) the remaining points will come from the World Cup at FISE: Hiroshima and local events hosted by individual countries. 

Without further ado, here's how we're looking - 

MEN

If the qualification period ended today, this would be the lineup - 

Important Notes - 

- Japan is currently fifth in Olympic Qualifying Points. Because they're prequalified due to being the host country, this spot will go to the country who is number six. Currently, that is Venezuela. 

- While not formally guaranteed until May, Venezuela, France, and Costa Rica all basically locked down spots in China. Daniel Dhers, Anthony Jeanjean, and Kenneth Tencio are clearly the top riders from these countries, so it's a safe bet you'll be seeing the three of them in Tokyo.

- The top-qualifying country sends two riders. As of right now, this is the USA. However, it's entirely possible that Australia could swoop in and take over. If Australia is able to take the top spot, we'll likely be seeing Brandon Loupos and Logan Martin in Tokyo.

- Nick Bruce was the USA's top-performing rider at both events in China, but his points are not currently counting toward the country's total due to Nick being behind Daniel Sandoval - the country's number two rider - in the ranking. If Nick is able to edge out Daniel in the coming months and the United States holds on to the top-qualifying spot, we could see Nick in The Olympics. 

- There will be an "Olympic Test Event" in a few months and it will take place on the actual Olympic course. Many countries are looking to this event to decide what rider(s) they're going to send.

- Croatia is currently in ninth and has 2,763 points. Marin Rantes claims he's giving it his all to earn a spot. If Croatia hosts multiple events that he does well in and he manages to win the World Cup stop in Hiroshima, he could potentially shake things up. But, the reality of the situation is making this happen is highly unlikely. 

WOMEN

If the qualification period ended today, this would be the lineup - 

Important Notes - 

- Hannah Roberts is a beast. She's riding incredibly well and, quite frankly, there isn't a close second. Unless something drastically changes before The Olympics - and I don't expect it to - Hannah will basically be competing against herself out there. If she's able to complete a run, I see her walking away with a gold medal. 

- Russia is in a very dangerous spot! As of right now, they're hanging on in fifth place, but Chile is only 218 points behind them. Based on less-than-stellar results at the World Championships, if Russia gets bumped out, France will be in. 

- Charlotte Worthington has really stepped it up lately and it shows in her results. She finished on the podium at FISE in Chengdu and at the World Championships. Leading the UK to pass the United States is virtually impossible, but passing up Germany before May is in the realm of possibility. 

- Only 1,958 points separate fifth and tenth place, so here is definitely potential here for a bit of movement.

We'll update you on any drastic changes here. The picture is almost painted, but the final bit of mystery remains!