Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel says one drawback of the 2020 Summer Olympics having been postponed till next year is that he might have to choose between the Olympics and a Grand Tour.
Mathieu van der Poel says a drawback of the Olympics having been postponed is that he might have to choose between that and a Grand Tour. Photo: ARN/Gautier Demouveaux
“It’s tough to look forward,” said the 25-year-old Alpecin-Fenix rider.
“First and foremost, we have to wait for the decision when they will schedule the Olympics now. I hope in the same period as it was planned now.
“The only drawback might be that I have to choose between the Olympics and a Grand Tour. For instance, it’s sure that I’ll go ahead with mountain biking. All other things, we will decide later.”
He added that he hoped the UCI MTB World Championships in Albstadt, Germany, at the end of June would proceed.
Van der Poel, who racked up wins at last year’s Tour of Britain, Grand Prix de Denain, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Brabantse Pijl and Amstel Gold Race, felt that the decision to postpone the Tokyo Games was unfortunate but fully understandable.
“Public and global health must be a priority. On the other hand, I’m left with a terrible feeling. We started with a plan towards this Olympics four years ago and this plan has now got ruined.
“Mentally, it’s difficult now, especially if you worked for it already for four years. But that is, of course, the same for all athletes who worked towards a goal based in this difficult period full of postponements and cancellations.
“For instance, it’s also not clear when we can start racing again. I keep active, but we cannot make a detailed plan. That’s frustrating.”
