The younger members of the Bermuda Bicycle Association will be watching closely as the Track Cycling and Mountain Bike events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will take place 120 kilometers away from the Japanese capital in Izu, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed.
The Izu Velodrome at the Japan Cycle Sport Centre will undergo a revamp for the Games, including an increase in the seating capacity.
Significant investment is thought to be needed to upgrade the current facility to Olympic standards.
Mountain Biking competitions will be held at an existing course, located in front of Mount Fuji, which will also be renovated.
It has also been confirmed by the IOC that a 5,000-seater temporary venue will be built to house BMX events in Ariake, Tokyo, while the road race and time trials are due to be held in the center of the capital.
The news comes as a result of extensive discussions between the IOC, Tokyo 2020 and the International Cycling Union (UCI).
UCI President Brian Cookson had previously said the body was are "not happy" about the proposal but tried to put a positive spin on the decision officially confirmed today following the presentation by Tokyo 2020 to the IOC Executive Board here.
"Today’s announcement marks an important milestone for cycling at the Olympic Games and I would like to thank the IOC and Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee for their collaboration in agreeing these venues," he said.
"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.
"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 Organizing 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.”
