World road race champion Peter Sagan has decided to compete on his mountain bike at this summer's Olympics. The Tinkoff rider is convinced that the mountainous road race course around Rio de Janeiro is not for him and so he has returned to his roots.

"This nomination came by mutual agreement of the Commissions of the relevant disciplines. Everyone thought that Peter Sagan, as world champion will start the road race. However Peter offered his place in the road event in exchange for place in the cross country mountain bike race," the president of the Slovak Cycling Association said. "After finishing the Tour de France, Peter will do some a special training for four weeks. He will not go to Rio just to take part but to aim for a good position."

Martin Haring and Patrik Tybor will ride in the road race, with Sagan taking the sole place in the mountain bike race.