Russian and Belarusian athletes allowed to race 2024 Olympic Games under neutral flag and specific conditions

The International Olympic Committee has made the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games under neutral flags. No anthems, no emblems and no team sports, however athletes from these two nations will not be forbidden to compete in individual sports.

This will allow riders such as Alexander Vlasov for example to take part in the race in Paris - but of course, it influences more heavily other sports. In the 2021 Olympics Russian athletes already had to compete under neutral colours due to widespread doping programs which led to consequences being attributed to the nation. After it's invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, which continues with even more intensity to this day, there is no intention on letting up the sanctions on the Euro-Asian country. However it's athletes - those who do not actively support the war or serve in the military - will not be punished for it's actions, and will be allowed under specific conditions. 

This isn't just the case in cycling, but in all other Olympic sports where it is possible to race individually. The decision has had quite mixed reactions, and understandably less positive ones from nations that neighbour Russia and fear the same faith as Ukraine. Latvia's Toms Skujins' opinion showcases the sentiment that is felt throughout the Baltic states over the news:

"Not yet sure how I feel about this. Both good and bad in this decision. Guess adulting is coming to compromises. Just hope this one is good enough and we won't see any pro war gestures out there."