Russian Cyclist Aleksandr Vlasov Withdraws from Paris Olympics

Russian cyclist Aleksandr Vlasov has chosen not to compete in the Paris Olympics despite receiving approval to participate as a neutral athlete. Vlasov cited the Paris track profile and his busy calendar as reasons for his withdrawal. Other Russian cyclists, Tamara Dronova and Alena Ivanchenko, will still compete.

Russian cyclist Aleksandr Vlasov has declined to take part in the Paris Olympics despite getting approval to compete as a neutral, the Russian Cycling Federation (BCP) said on Thursday. Russian and Belarusian athletes can only participate as neutrals -- without flags, anthems or any role in the opening parade -- because of the war in Ukraine, which Russia call a 'special military operation'.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had cleared the first batch of Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete, with Vlasov among a group of 25, but the 28-year-old has withdrawn from the Games. "Vlasov declined to take part in the Olympics, the profile of the Paris track does not suit him," BCP President Vyacheslav Yekimov told the state news agency TASS.

"And this athlete's calendar is very busy." Yekimov, however, said cyclists Tamara Dronova and Alena Ivanchenko, who were also confirmed as eligible and invited to compete in Paris by the IOC, would take part at the Games.

Reuters has contacted the BCP for comment. The Paris Olympics runs from July 26 to Aug. 11.