Nils Politt: Professional cyclist has to take a toilet break at the Olympics

Nils Politt could not have chosen a more famous place for a much-needed toilet break. The 30-year-old suddenly developed stomach problems during the Olympic road cycling race and urgently needed a restroom. Since his race was over, the Cologne native simply stopped on the final lap in Paris – and ended up in the famous “Café des 2 moulins” from the film “Amelie”.

Various videos are circulating on the X platform, showing Politt in the café crowded with fans. Apparently smiling with relief, the classic specialist makes his way through the crowd, climbs over the barrier and gets back on his bike. Politt reaches the finish line in 70th place, almost 20 minutes behind.

Nils Politt was well in the race until the break

“I was in the right group, my legs were good, but suddenly I got stomach problems and had to stop the race. I have no idea what the cause was, but that was the end of the race for me. I am very disappointed,” said Politt.

Politt was in the picture for a long time when Belgian Remco Evenepoel won the Olympics and even initiated the spectacular finale around the famous Sacré-Cœur on Montmartre. Around 60 kilometers from the finish, the team-mate of Tour winner Tadej Pogacar attacked and, along with four other professionals, built up a lead of almost a minute. But 33 kilometers from the finish, it was suddenly over when Politt’s stomach went on strike.

“Nils showed a good instinct, was in the right group, but unfortunately he then developed stomach problems. It’s a shame that the result does not reflect the performance of Politt and Schachmann,” said national coach André Greipel. “In the end, the team didn’t matter. It was a man against man race.” Schachmann was the second German starter, finishing 28th, and complained afterwards about the few refreshment points.