Olympic champion Greg Van Avermaet says suspending 2020 Games was 'only possible option'
Belgian says holding the Olympics this year would have been unfair on athletes
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Olympic road race champion Greg Van Avermaet (CCC Team) says postponing the 2020 Tokyo Games "was the only possible option."
As the world continues to battle with the coronavirus pandemic, the International Olympic Committee and Tokyo Organising Committee took the decision to postpone the Games on Tuesday, saying they will take place by summer 2021.
There are currently over 380,000 recorded Covid-19 cases worldwide with around 16,500 deaths.
Van Avermaet, who won the gold medal in the road race at Rio 2016, says it is the right decision to take, not only in terms of the safety of athletes, staff and spectators, but because most athletes are currently unable to fully train with lockdowns across many countries.
Cycling is currently suspended until April 30 at least, though May's Giro d'Italia has already been suspended. Riders would have little preparation time ahead of the gruelling 234km race, which contains almost 5000m of climbing, if it went ahead as planned on July 25.
"It’s obviously disappointing to see the Olympic Games postponed as they were a big goal for me this year," Van Avermaet said.
"But, I completely support the decision as it is clear at a time like this that health and safety are the biggest priority and it wouldn’t have been possible to safely stage an event like the Olympic Games with thousands of people coming from all over the world.
"I think postponing the Games was the only possible option as we face so many uncertainties in the coming months and it would not have provided a fair playing field with everyone’s preparation and training put on hold right now. Even the selection process for teams would have been impossible."
For riders and athletes, the postponement of races and the Olympics means the opportunity to better prepare for next year once the pandemic has passed, though it also means a year missed in what are relatively short careers.
Van Avermaet, 34 - who would have been targetting a maiden Tour of Flanders victory on April 5 - says it "isn ideal" to be another year older as he looks to defend his gold medal, but says he'll have as much incentive take victory in Tokyo in 2021.
"Of course, the postponement means I will be another year older which isn’t ideal but I know I will be as motivated as ever next year," Van Avermaet added.
"It is an honor to be the Olympic Champion and now I will enjoy some more time wearing the gold bands on my CCC Team jersey and of course, I hope I can wear them beyond 2021 as well."
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
-
Flying Dutchwoman: Lorena Wiebes on pressure, winning at the Tour de France, and leaving DSM
The SD Worx rider won 22 races in 2022, including two stages at the Tour de France Femmes and a clean sweep at the RideLondon Classique. She told Adam Becket how she did it
By Adam Becket • Published
-
CW Live: Bolton Equities Black Spoke share images of new Pinarello Dogma
All the cycling news you need this Friday
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Tour de Yorkshire to be replaced with new look cycling event in 2024
Tour de Yorkshire not due to return to north of England, although initial plans announced for new cycling event in area
By Tom Thewlis • Last updated
-
Greg Van Avermaet looking for redemption at Paris-Roubaix after omission from Belgian Worlds squad
The Belgian has represented his national team at the World Championships every year since 2007
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
'In my own country, I'm not part of the team': Philippe Gilbert and Greg Van Avermaet not selected for home World Championships
There were a few surprise names left off the list for the Flanders 2021 Worlds
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
Greg Van Avermaet said he ‘hoped to be better’ but content with podium finish in Tour of Flanders
Greg Van Avermaet said he’d hoped to be “just a little better” in the Tour of Flanders, but settled for a podium finish.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
Greg Van Avermaet reveals new bike for 2021 as Olympic champion returns to BMC machines
Greg Van Avermaet has revealed his new machine for the 2021, as he returns to BMC machine.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
Greg Van Avermaet to make last-minute decision on whether he can race Tour of Flanders
The Belgian says he will only participate if he can compete, saying he has no interest in just riding from Antwerp to Oudenaarde
By Jonny Long • Published
-
Greg Van Avermaet suffers vertebra fracture and collapsed lung in Liège-Bastogne-Liège crash
CCC say the Belgian's season is likely over
By Jonny Long • Published
-
Greg Van Avermaet signs with Ag2r La Mondiale for 2021
Michaël Schär will also make the switch from CCC Team to Ag2r Citrôen Team next season
By Richard Windsor • Published