The big guns head to Atlanta
For the first time in Olympic history, professional cyclists will compete for medals-- momentous for a sport with an ever-widening gap between pro and amateur riders.

The battle on the road, on the dirt mountain-bike course, and to a lesser extent in the velodrome, will be one with a distinct U.S. slant--notable given the sport's heavy European bent.

With Lance Armstrong's poor performance and early exit from the Tour de France (did he have Atlanta on his mind?), U.S. fans are looking for gold on the road, in the 137.7-mile road race, and also in the time trial.

Armstrong, whose young career has found far more success in one-day races such as the Olympics than those long, grueling tours in Europe, is well suited to the one-day road race.

Then again, there are scores of talented riders descending on Georgia who are capable of blasting an outstanding performance in a one day--either the road race or time trial--including Spain's Miguel Indurain, Laurent Jalabert of France, John Museeuw of the Netherlands, and Brit Chris Boardman. All are hungry after dismal performances in France.

For hard-core velo fans, expect a few wrinkles. For example, the domestiques that give professional cycling its many layers of strategy will not be there. Each country can have five riders on its team, and in most cases they will each be gunning for their own glory rather than simply serving their respective leaders.

The women's road race covers 64.8 miles--eight laps of an 8.1-mile circuit through Atlanta--which is the longest ever for women Olympians.

Watch for Jeannie Longo of France or Monika Valvik of Norway. U.S. fans can pin their hopes on national champion Jeanne Golay.

In the 32-mile time trial, again watch for Longo, or Canada's Anne Samplonius and Clara Hughes.

The first-ever mountain bike medals will be awarded this year, one of four new medal sports. The cross-country race is expected to be torturous, a tough course with little respite in the extreme Georgia heat.

Leading the U.S. team is David ''Tinker'' Juarez, who sometimes falters in those conditions. Watch for Bert Brentjens of Holland. Alison Sydor of Canada is a strong prospect for the women, but has been locked in fierce battles on the World Cup circuit all season with Juli Furtado.

The track events are, as usual, varied and intensely contested. The one-kilometer time trial is madness, and could be taken by an extremely strong track squad from Australia.

Men's match sprints also tilt toward Australians Darryn Hill and Gary Neiwand, although France will be well represented by Felicia Ballanger. But don't overlook Connie Paraskevin-Young of the United States.

In individual pursuit, all eyes will be on cycling machine Rebecca Twigg of the United States, who has a virtual lock on the gold, if such a thing exists in Olympic cycling.

A new thrill will be the points race, where riders battle it out for points every fifth lap of the 20-kilometer and 50-kilometer events. The winner is either the first to lap the field, or more likely, the one with the highest points after the specified distance.