Sports & Fitness

German cycling official sent packing from Olympics after racist comment

The violation of Olympic values committed by the sporting director of the German cycling team will not be accepted despite a ‘sincere’ apology

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 29 Jul 2021 5:54PM

German cycling official sent packing from Olympics after racist comment — The racist comment that was made during the men's time trial at the Tokyo Olympics will not be tolerated by the Olympic Committee − pix courtesy of pexels.com, July 29, 2021

TOKYO − The sporting director of Germany's cycling team will be sent home from the Tokyo Olympics after making a racist comment about riders from Africa during the men's time trial, the team said today.

Patrick Moster said he was "truly sorry" for his remark, which was broadcast on live TV during yesterday's race.

Moster was exhorting German rider Nikias Arndt to catch up with two competitors from Algeria and Eritrea.

"We are convinced that his official apology for the racist comment is sincere. However, Mr Moster has stepped over the line and violated the Olympic values. Fair play, respect and tolerance are not negotiable for Team 'D'," German Olympic Committee President Alfons Hoermann said.

Arndt distanced himself from the comment, tweeting: "I'm horrified, and I want to say clearly that I have nothing to do with these remarks, the words used were unacceptable." – AFP July 29, 2021