The judo star declared his interest in April in carrying the country’s flag at the Opening Ceremony on August 5, telling insidethegames that it would be a “big dream” and a “one moment in my life and the lives of so many people".

He will head into the Games looking to defending the men’s over 100 kilogram title he won at London 2012 and has been unbeaten since 2010, winning European, world and Olympic titles in his division.

Riner has been a key supporter of Paris’ bid to stage the 2024 Olympic Games and, following the conclusion of the Tour de France on Sunday (July 24), he reflected on France’s successful staging of the famous cycling event, as well as the recent Euro 2016 football tournament and tennis' French Open.

“It was an honour to be elected by my fellow athletes as the official Team France flagbearer for Rio 2016 and it is truly a privilege to lead a record number of Team France athletes in Rio,” Riner said.

“Together with Michaël Jeremiasz - the flagbearer for the French Paralympic team - we have a great responsibility and I hope we return with many medals.

“Over recent weeks France has hosted Roland-Garros, Euro 2016 and the Tour de France with great success and it has been fantastic to see so many people watching and celebrating these world renowned sporting events.

“It would be a dream come true to witness amazing scenes such as these at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024.”

The 103rd edition of the Tour de France was won by Britain’s Chris Froome, who secured his third victory at the race, which featured 21 stages.

Germany’s Andre Griepel triumphed on the closing stage of the race, which began in Chantilly to the north of Paris, before snaking 113 kilometres through the northern suburbs and into the city centre.

The final day also saw the third staging of the one-day women’s race La Course, which was won by Australia’s Chloe Hosking.

International Cycling Union President Brian Cookson, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Paris 2024 co-chairman Tony Estanguet were among those in attendance on the final day of racing.

Estanguet praised organisers Amaury Sport Organisation for the successful delivery of the race, while commenting on Paris' capability of staging major sport events.

“It is wonderful to see another fantastic Tour de France finish on the famous Champs-Elysées here in central Paris,” said the three-time Olympic canoeing gold medallist.

"I would like to congratulate the race organisers for delivering a spectacular event and all of the riders and teams for their amazing efforts over that last 23 days.

“The Tour de France is a unique sporting spectacle which presents France in all its glory. From the Grand Depart in historic Normandy, to the iconic city centre finish here in Paris, we have seen amazing performances in many incredible live settings.

“Following the hugely successful EURO 2016, the successful delivery of another Tour de France highlights France and Paris’ status as a major international sports hub and the perfect platform to showcase major international sport.”

Under Paris 2024’s bid plan, the Olympic cycling road race would have a similar finish to the Tour de France final stage, taking in key landmarks, including the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Budapest, Rome and Los Angeles are also bidding for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The International Olympic Committee is due to elect its chosen host at its Session in Lima in September 2017.