Olympic mountain bike champion Jolanda Neff and reigning Olympic time trial silver medalist Marlen Reusser will not be participating in the Paris Games, dealing a blow to the Swiss cycling team. Both athletes have been battling illnesses, with Neff facing breathing issues for several years, and Reusser recovering from various health setbacks that prevent them from competing.
Sina Frei, an Olympic silver medalist, will replace Neff in the mountain bike competition alongside Alessandra Keller, the top-ranked rider in the world. Elena Hartmann will step in for Reusser in the time trial and road race events.
Neff, known for leading a Swiss mountain bike podium sweep at the Tokyo Olympics, underwent extensive testing in June as part of her recovery plan but has not fully healed in time for the Paris Games. Despite being the world’s top-ranked team, the Swiss cycling team remains strong, with Keller’s consistent podium finishes and Frei’s third-place finish at the European championships.
Reusser, who faced setbacks including COVID-19 and injuries sustained during the Tour of Flanders, has been unable to fully recover in time for Paris. Hartmann, fresh off her third Swiss time trial title, will compete in the time trial and road race alongside teammates Elise Chabbey, Noemi Rüegg, and Linda Zanetti in the upcoming Summer Games.