The streets of Paris deliver passion and pain in equal measure - Olympic Games road race gallery

Paris is no stranger to the world's best cyclists battling it out on its cobbled streets and boulevards, yet the Olympic Games have opened the cycling world's eyes to arrondissements often left untouched by the caravan of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes. 

While the Champs-Élysées is synonymous with road cycling, the 33rd edition of the Summer Games saw the road races venture onto the cobbled streets of Pigalle and Montmartre before finishing at the Trocadero, in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. 

Despite a late puncture, Remco Evenepoel displayed his one-day racing prowess in all its glory with a well-timed attack to leave his key rivals behind before ultimately arriving at the finish line with time to spare - and for a sponsor-pleasing photo.

Just 24 hours later Kristen Faulkner arrived at the line in a euphoric but less flamboyant state than the Belgian, after putting in an equally impressive ride to secure a gold medal despite not being on anyone's radar ahead of the race.

Cyclingnews has curated the best of the images from our friends at SWpix.com, capturing some of the best angles of the weekend's action.

A picture-perfect start line in front of the Eiffel Tower. 

The peloton passes by the world-famous Musée du Louvre.

The women's peloton flashes past the Eiffel Tower in the early stages of the race.

Even outside the city limits, the scenery was just as dramatic.

Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy) tackles the cobbles in front of Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre.

Crowds line the narrow, cobbled streets of Montmartre.

The steps of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre hidden by a wave of onlooking fans.

Julia Kopecky (Czech Republic) showing her appreciation to the crowds in Montmartre.

One French iconic in front of another, Julian Alaphilippe (France) darts past the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre.

Kristen Faulkner (USA) leads the charge as they reel in the leading pack amidst a cauldron of noise.

All eyes, and camera phones, on the soon-to-be-crowned Olympic road race champion, Remco Evenepoel (Belgium).

Blanka Vas (Hungary) and Marianne Vos (Netherlands) work together on the testing slopes of Montmartre.

Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands) and Wout van Aert (Belgium) push on as the race  enters its final throes.

London 2012 silver medallist Lizzie Deignan (Great Britain) drives a chase group through the Parisian suburbs.

Remco Evenepoel puts the phone down on the doubters and naysayers - were there any?

Kristen Faulkner drives to the line, too entranced to celebrate just yet.

A throw for silver, Vos wins out ahead of Kopecky (Belgium) and Vas.

What it means to Valentin Madouas (France) to take silver on home soil.

A shot that will live long in the memory. The first-ever male to win both time trial and road race gold at the same Olympic Games.

Kristen Faulkner raises the stars and stripes to celebrate her shock victory.

Charles Kagimu (Uganda) crosses the line. He may have finished last but making the start line was a victory in itself for the African rider.

Alison Jackson (Canada) catches her breath after crossing the line.

The emotions on the face of Fred Wright (Great Britain) illustrate the testing nature of Paris' cobbled streets.

It might just be Remco Evenepoel holding the medals, but its a team affair to get him onto the podium.

Kristen Faulkner raises her arms with glee after holding off the likes of Vos and Kopecky to take gold.

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