What we'll see in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics MTB event

On July 23rd, one of the strangest Olympic Games in living memory will begin: the Tokyo Olympics. We don't know whether to say the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games or the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, but the fact is that they are finally taking place after the postponement and with some doubts on the table, even in terms of mountain biking.

Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games: very particular conditions

Before we get into the issues surrounding the mountain bike event and also before telling you where to watch the event, there are a couple of other things to note.

First of all, it will be a totally unusual Summer Olympics. The whole atmosphere that normally surrounds the Olympics was smashed by the coronavirus. With a little more than two months to go, there are still some doubts about this: the question of the audience is still controversial. The Japanese public is concerned and the circumstantial measure will be to allow Japanese athletes and public only, but the final decision remains to be seen. In fact, there is even a current calling for cancellation or further postponement, including the Japanese doctors' union.

A second important aspect is undoubtedly the question of sponsors. Faced with this scenario, many have jumped out of the boat and many others have expressed doubts about the economic viability of the event.

But it looks like it will finally take place, so we analyse the conditions of the mountain bike race and also tell you where the race will be televised.

Mountain bike event at 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games

When it comes to mountain biking, the truth is that the fans are looking forward to a battle of unknown proportions. Many factors are coming together to excite the mountain bike fan.

First and foremost is the huge level and competitiveness that will be present at the event. In fact, it may be the first time in the lives of many that there is no clear favourite for the gold medal in mountain biking. Even more so if we analyse the start of the season of a new generation of riders who are coming on strong in the World Cup. We are referring to Van der Poel, Pidcock or Koretzky. This new generation is competing and beating the previous one, the Avancini, Schurter or Flückiger. Who will win the medals? No one knows, but it will be a tight race, no doubt.

But there is more than that. Because the official circuit test for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics took place almost two years ago. That's a very long time. And even more: cyclists like Van der Poel or Pidcock were not even in that test. How much life changes in a couple of years, also in mountain biking, is a wonderful thing.

All this adds additional uncertainty to the already prevailing chaos.

Where and when to watch the 2021 Tokyo Olympics MTB event

One of the best things about the Olympic Games is that all public broadcasters in all countries usually cover them. Obviously, they select the events according to the presence or absence of their athletes. But in mountain biking there are all flags, so you will be able to follow the event in complete safety.

The most important thing is to be clear about the dates (if you set a reminder in your agenda, it will help). These are the two mountain bike events and their respective dates and times for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics:

• Monday, 26 July 2021, at 8:00 a.m. (UTC+1) : Men's MTB Race
• Tuesday 27 July 2021, at 8:00 a.m. (UTC+1) : Women's MTB Race

And as for where to follow it, in Spain you can do so through RTVE channels. Also from other countries via the Internet and with the use of a VPN, although, as we said, it is most likely that it will be broadcast by a national television station. RTVE will broadcast it live on one of its channels: TVE1, TVE2 or Teledeporte.