Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) , unveiled its masterplan for the cycling events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games yesterday, as agreed upon with the International Olympics Committee’s (IOC) Executive Board.
“Designed to deliver an unforgettable experience for riders and fans and significant post-Games benefits for cycling in Japan, the Venue Masterplan has been mapped out in-line with Olympic Agenda 2020 – placing a focus on cost effectiveness, sustainability and legacy”, said the UCI.
The Road Races and Time Trials will take place in the City of Tokyo, starting and finishing at the iconic Imperial Palace Garden, and showcasing Tokyo’s stunning backdrops.
The BMX Supercross events will take place at a purpose built temporary facility at Ariake in the centre of Tokyo with 5,000 seats.
The Track cycling events will take place at the Japan Cycle Sport Centre in Izu, in the Shizuoka Prefecture, approximately 120km from Tokyo. The existing velodrome will undergo significant refurbishment and the seating capacity increased.
The Mountain Bike events will take place at the Japan Cycle Sport Center in Izu on a existing course, which will be newly renovated to meet the Olympic standard. The course, adjacent to the velodrome, will feature the spectacular Mount Fuji as a backdrop.
Commenting on the Tokyo 2020 Cycling Venues Masterplan, UCI President Brian Cookson said: “Today’s announcement marks an important milestone for cycling at the Olympic Games and I would like to thank the IOC and Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee for their collaboration in agreeing these venues. Athletes, spectators and those watching around the world will experience not just incredible venues, superb infrastructure and forensic planning, but also spectacular backdrops such as the Imperial Palace Garden and Mount Fuji to create truly unique cycling events.”
All athletes and team officials whose events will be at Izu will have the option to stay in the main Athletes Village before and after their competition. During competition, they will stay at a satellite village located close to the event venues. Members of the media will also have access to a bullet train for all events taking place in Izu which will minimise their travel time.
The Japanese Cycling Federation and local authorities have committed to reinforcing their support for the Japan Cycle Sports Centre with the aim of establishing a comprehensive multi-support cycling centre, as part of a wider showcasing and legacy plan for the sport. The Japanese Cycling Federation, along with the Izu City municipal authorities, the Japanese Keirin Association and related stakeholders have also committed to providing strong ongoing support programme for national cycling academy activities.
As part of plans to promote every day cycling in Tokyo, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) is working on the development of dedicated cycling routes in the city and Tokyo 2020 will work closely with TMG and the UCI to ensure that the existing commitment to create 400kms of cycling infrastructure will be implemented as part of the 2020 Games legacy.
UCI President Brian Cookson added: “I am pleased that cycling is helping to lead the way in embracing the IOC’s Agenda 2020. This is not just in terms of our commitment to use existing venues, but also to work alongside the Organising Committee, Japanese Cycling Federation and city authorities to drive a real legacy of increased participation in cycling and in Japan hosting a number of major UCI events over the longer term. I’m convinced that this type of partnership approach, underpinned by a longer term vision, can achieve a win-win for the Olympic Family, Host Cities and International Federations such as the UCI.”
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