“ The IOC imposes a quarantine obligation, Tour-Olympic Games combination impossible ”

“ The IOC imposes a quarantine obligation, Tour-Olympic Games combination impossible ”

Wednesday 30 December 2020 at 08:48

Athletes participating in the Olympics must be quarantined for the first two weeks after arriving in Tokyo. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided so, writes Het Laatste Nieuws. This decision has major consequences for cyclists. This measure does not allow them to combine the Olympic Games with the completion of the Tour de France.

The Tour de France starts next year on June 26 and ends on July 18. Road cycling will be on the Olympic program from July 24 to 28. This would make it impossible to complete the Tour and participate in the Olympic Games.

Exception
Het Laatste Nieuws reports that the Belgian Olympic Committee will make another attempt to allow cyclists to form an exception to the measure, but the chances of success are not considered great.

Leaving the Tour earlier is not an option, according to national coach Sven Vanthourenhout. “I cannot imagine that Greg Van Avermaet or Wout van Aert will take the start of the Tour and leave after ten days. Before the end of January, I would like to know who I can select for the Games. I will understand if Wout van Aert resolutely opts for the Tour.

Van der Poel
The quarantine requirement also presents a challenge for Mathieu van der Poel. The mountain bike race is on the calendar for July 26, which means completing the Tour will be impossible for the Alpecin-Fenix ​​Wolverine. An early withdrawal from the Tour de France will therefore be necessary for the Dutch to participate for the gold.

Giro Rosa
Women also seem to have to make choices. The Giro Rosa is a big date on the calendar despite the fact that it is no longer a WorldTour race next year. The women’s road race is scheduled for July 25, while the final stage of the Italian stage race will take place on July 11. While the IOC does not make an exception for cyclists, choices will also have to be made in the women’s peloton.