The 2016 Rio Olympics hit their latest snag on Monday when a fire spread toward the mountain biking course that is scheduled to be used on Saturday and Sunday. According to Reuters, some garbage was being disposed of in a controlled burn, but the wind caused the blaze to break free.
Winds cause garbage fire to spread and reportedly threaten Olympic mountain biking course
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Mountain Bike Venue on Fire in Rio#Rio2016 #cyclingMTB https://t.co/B9IKgqlCup pic.twitter.com/7Z5SHCXGfK
— Canadian Cyclist (@cdncyclist) August 15, 2016
Canadian Cyclist reports that the mountain biking area has been evacuated and also offers this statement from UCI (International Cycling Union):
“The UCI is aware that there was a fire this afternoon in the vicinity of the Rio 2016 Mountain Bike course. It is understood the fire is now under control. Assessment of any potential impact on the Mountain Bike course will be made tomorrow.”
The women’s cross-country mountain bike final is scheduled for Saturday at 11:30 a.m. ET, with the men to follow at the same time Sunday.
See More:
