Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Cycling coach apologises after using racist language in time trial

A German cycling coach has apologised after admitting to using racist language while supporting a rider in the men’s Olympic time trial in Fuji on Wednesday.

Sports director Patrick Moster was caught on camera using derogatory language when urging Nikias Arndt to try to catch Eritrean rider Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier and Algeria’s Azzedine Lagab on the road, with the comments clearly audible on German station ARD’s broadcast of the race.

Former rider Moster, who is 54 and has been in his current role since 2012, appeared in the mixed zone at the Fuji Speedway to apologise for his actions.

“I was in the feed zone and cheered on Nikias Arndt,” Moster told reporters.

Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier of Eritrea in the Olympics men's cycling individual time trial in Oyama, Japan. Picture: Tim de Waele/AP

“In the heat of the moment and with the overall burden that we have here at the moment, my choice of words was wrong. I am sorry, I’m so sorry, I can only sincerely apologise. I didn’t mean to discredit anyone.”

It is understood Moster attempted to visit the Algerian team in the paddock to apologise directly, but the team had already left.

A statement from the German Olympic Federation said: “Team Germany represents Olympic values like respect, fair play and tolerance throughout the competitions and beyond.

“It is important that Moster apologised while the race was still on. Nonetheless we will discuss the matter with him directly.”

Primoz Roglic of Slovenia won the time trial gold in 55min 4.19sec, going 61 seconds faster than the Netherlands’ Tom Dumoulin – who earned his second career Olympic silver, having taken a break from professional cycling earlier this year. Australia’s Rohan Dennis won bronze. Britain’s Geraint Thomas was 12th.