Group training can go ahead again in the Republic as the Level 5 restrictions under the 'Living with Covid-19' plan expired at midnight last night to be replaced with Level 3.
For the past six weeks people have been asked not to venture further than 5km from home for exercise, but that condition is now gone.
Cyclists were also told only to train with another person
if they lived in the same household, which for most of us resulted in solo
spins within a 5km radius of home.
However, under the Level 3 conditions now in place cyclists can train in groups of up to 15 riders, which will be good news for local chain gangs and cycling clubs across the country.
Furthermore, with the 5km restriction lifted cyclists can
also train much further away from home, but still must stay in their home
county.
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However, that ‘home county’ rule will be lifted on
December 18th for two weeks, meaning cyclists will be able to train anywhere in
groups of up to 15 during that period.
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At the time of writing Cycling Ireland was still awaiting confirmation from the Sport Expert Group on the status of the provincial and national cyclocross championships and whether these will be classified as 'elite events'.
Under the Level 3 restrictions, sporting events are not permitted. However, there are some exemptions, including for 'elite events'.
It is likely the National Cyclocross Championships will be defined as an elite event, though that is not yet confirmed. However, at the time of writing it was not clear if the Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht championships will be classified as elite events.
If that “elite
event” status is conferred on the provincial championships decisions can then
be made about whether they will go ahead.
In Northern Ireland restrictions have been tightened just as they have been relaxed across the Border in the Republic.
In the North those new restrictions came into force last
Friday, November 27th, and are set to last for two weeks.
Training must only be carried out on an individual basis,
or with members of your own household, and all club and group training must be
suspended while racing and other events are also suspended.
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