Vincenzo Nibali regrets Olympics delay, looks forward to post-pandemic ‘rebirth’

For Italian professional Vincenzo Nibali competing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, postponed till next year due to the coronavirus pandemic, was a major goal this season, perhaps the most important one.

But he is not bitter about the delay and says he is looking forward to sport’s “rebirth” once the pandemic is over.

Nibali was one of several top cycle medal contenders who expressed disappointment at the disruption the postponement has caused.

However, all endorsed the International Olympic Committee’s decision.

The 35-year-old Trek-Segafredo rider said for every athlete the Olympic Games was an occasion of great importance.

“All the more so if the athlete is predicted as a protagonist,” said Nibali.

“Tokyo 2020 was a goal of my season, perhaps the most important.

“But the postponement of a year does not change my aspirations and from now on I can say that I will plan my preparation to arrive at the event in the best possible condition.

“I think the IOC made the right choice. Right now, the world needs to focus its efforts on fighting the emergency. Sport can wait. And in 2021 we will all be ready to celebrate its rebirth together.”

For his teammate Bauke Mollema, the Olympics were also a key goal this season.

“I completely understand and respect the decision of the IOC to postpone it. Over the last few days you could sense this was coming as right now public health is the most important thing.

“I’m hopeful I’ll be able to participate in this great event next year.”

Denmark’s Mads Pedersen was also 100 per cent behind the decision.

“For me it’s good that the Tokyo Olympics will be postponed. It shows that we are thinking above sport and making everyone’s health the priority.

“It’s worse for all the athletes who have planned their seasons for this event, but I’m glad the organisers have made this decision now, rather than at the last minute. We will all come back stronger, inside and outside sport.”