With the Olympic opening ceremony done and dusted, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are officially open. There was a lot of speculation as to whether they would go ahead at all. With cases rising and a State of Emergency in place until 22 August, spectators are no longer allowed to attend the games. Only athletes and select personnel are permitted.
Team GB
A few weeks ago we spoke to Simon Watts, lead coach for British Cycling’s XC riders about the Olympics. He talked about the process, points and who was on the shortlist before the riders were announced. Then, of course, it was announced that Evie Richards and Tom Pidcock would represent Great Britain at the Games.
Who is Competing?
Unlike a World Cup round, the Tokyo Olympics only has 38 competitors. So, 38 women, and 38 men.
Women:
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Men:
The Course
From the previews available, the track looks very challenging.
The MTB Cross-Country course requires both strength and skill. It takes riders between 90–105 minutes to navigate the course, which consists of four to six kilometres of mostly narrow dirt single-track trails with steep ascents and descents and rocky sections. There are also feed areas where riders can fix bikes and eat and/or drink.
The race features a mass start and multiple laps with the first rider to complete the required laps winning gold. However, riders whose time is 80 per cent slower than that of the race leader’s first lap are eliminated.
The new 4,100m off-road Izu Mountain Bike Course has a vertical height difference of 150m and is set to be harder than previous Olympic courses. Various sections of the course have been given names including Amagigoe, Joren-no-taki, Hashi, Wasabi, Odorikohodo and Karesansui, according to their different characteristics.
Olympics.com
How and Where to Watch
The XC will be shown on both BBC and Eurosport in the UK. The men’s race is Monday 26 July at 7 AM BST/ 8 AM CEST, with the women’s being broadcast on Tuesday 27 July at 7 AM BST.
You can watch all the big moments live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button and the BBC Sport website and app. BBC Radio 5 Live and Sports Extra will also bring you live commentary every day, and there will be live text, video clips and highlights on the BBC Sport website and app.
BBC
What are your predictions? Who is going to take home the gold?
Related:
Tom Pidcock: Born to Mountain Bike
Evie Richards and Tom Pidcock to Represent GB in Tokyo
Coming Back From the Bad Days with Kate Courtney
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