Danish rider Jakob Fuglsang will not get a chance for revenge for a near miss in the 2016 Olympic road race this July, as the International Olympic Committee has decided to indefinitely postpone the 2020 Games scheduled for Tokyo this summer, but the 34-year-old said it was the right decision given the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Fuglsang (Astana) finished second to Greg Van Avermaat of Belgium, which included Poland's Rafal Majka. Van Avermaat kicked off Fuglsang and pulled away from Majka near the finish line to win the gold medal. After a career-best season in 2019, which included wins at the Vuelta a Andalusia, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Criterium du Dauphiné, Fuglsang is now riding at full speed to go even further this July in Tokyo.

"Of course, it's unfortunate that the Olympics were postponed," he said. The Olympics are the biggest and most important sporting event for athletes. I have been preparing for this event since the beginning of the year and I think it was the right decision because in this extraordinary situation we are all facing right now, everyone's health and safety should be a priority."

Fuglsang won two stages in Andalusia and again took the overall win. He started the 2020 season strong, but his plans were cut short when a coronavirus outbreak caused races to be cancelled around the world. He returned home to be with his family and waited it out.

"As far as everyone is concerned, things are tough right now," he said. But we have to try to stay positive and stay motivated. I'm with my family and I enjoy my time with them. They are my biggest support and I'm happy to have time with them."

Fuglsang's next race in Andalusia was supposed to be Strade Bianche, who finished second to Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quickstep) in Siena last year. After Strade Bianche's cancellation, I took a few days off and did some easy spins to recharge my batteries. I didn't know the exact dates of the races," he said. Of course, training on the rollers is different than doing training rides on the road. Also, the team and coaches stay in touch with us and support us."

In anticipation of the season starting again later in the year, Fuglsang says it is even more important to keep his body in good shape and maintain his fitness, but also to keep his mind in good shape.

"I think the most important thing right now is to keep morale high and do your best. I think family is certainly a very important part of that."

"I hope everyone stays healthy and I look forward to seeing all my fans on the road soon."