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Peter Sagan: Now I know the Olympics course is not for me (video)

Peter Sagan tests out the Olympic road race course in Rio de Janeiro and discovers it is not to his liking

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published 29 January 2016

Peter Sagan says he will return to Rio de Janeiro after testing out the Olympic road race course this week, but probably only as a tourist.

The world champion travelled to the Brazilian city after competing at the Tour de San Luis to see if he could potentially challenge for a medal in August.

But having ridden the route with a few of his Tinkoff teammates, Sagan revealed that he may not even ride the Olympics, having discovered the course doesn't suit his skill set.

"This course is not for me, it is more suitable for pure climbers A medal here is not for me..." Sagan is quoted as saying on Het Nieuwsblad.

Riders like Chris Froome, Alejandro Valverde and Nairo Quintana are targeting the gold medal in Rio, and now riders like Sagan are discovering just how hilly the area around the city is.

With the road race taking place just 13 days after the end of the Tour de France, Sagan might not even travel to compete, although he hopes to go back to Rio another time.

"I saw Christ the Redeemer in the distance; this is clearly a beautiful city, with lots of greenery, mountains and beaches, but I came here to work...maybe someday I will be back as a tourist," he said.

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Stuart Clarke

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.

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