UCI Holds Off on Tokyo 2020 Venues Approval

(ATR) Around the Rings understands the decision has been delayed amid ongoing concerns about relocating 2020 Olympic cycling venues out of Tokyo.

Games organizers and the UCI had hoped to lock down plans for the velodrome, BMX and mountain bike course this week.

But ATR has learned that the venues will not be approved by the UCI Management Committee, which is meeting Wednesday and Thursday.

The delay suggests that the UCI remains unwilling to accept or compromise on Tokyo 2020’s proposal to move the velodrome and BMX out of the Japanese capital.

The UCI has raised serious concerns with Games chiefs about the impact of the relocation plan over more than six months of talks.

Tokyo 2020 leaders claim they will save money by moving the venues to Izu – two-and-a-half hours away from the Japanese capital.

The federation has countered proposals they say will affect cycling’s post-Games legacy. President Brian Cookson and UCI officials claim the three alternative venue proposals from the bid book plan, to keep the venues in the Tokyo metropolitan area, are the most cost-effective options.

The UCI has said it won’t be rushed into decisions.

ATR is told that the UCI Management Committee could make a decision on the Tokyo 2020 venues in the coming weeks or months via an e-voting system, rather than waiting until its next scheduled meeting to sign off on plans.

"In the spirit of Olympic Agenda 2020, the UCI, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and the International Olympic Committee are in ongoing discussions with a view to finalizing the cycling venues for all four disciplines as soon as possible," a UCI spokesman tells ATR.

"We all share the will to ensure that the cycling events in Tokyo in five years’ time take place in the best possible environment and conditions for the athletes, fans and broadcasters alike," he added.

Reported by Mark Bisson

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.