Cycling Ireland has said because of continuing uncertainty around Covid19, which has spiked in recent weeks, no cyclists based in Ireland will be picked for the European Road Championships next week.
Only riders based in Continental Europe and who are
racing with WorldTour teams or are carded by Sport Ireland will be considered
for selection.
And the national governing body has also said no staff
living in Ireland would be sent and the focus would be on the TTs, if the
championships go ahead in Plouay, France, as scheduled from August 24th to 28th.
The announcement follows news that Cycling Ireland had
already decided not to send any junior or youth teams away to race, in any
discipline, for the remainder of this year.
The latest announcement, about the European Road Championships, was made in a statement by Cycling Ireland on Tuesday afternoon.
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“The pandemic and resulting reduction in racing and
competition, along with restrictions on travel and training, mean the necessary
decisions on attendance by riders and staff have presented a significant
challenge,” it said.
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“As the virus continues to develop in Ireland and abroad,
the current stance of the Irish Government is to continue to avoid all non-essential
overseas travel.
“In accordance with this advice, which is aimed towards protecting public health, Cycling Ireland is adopting a cautious and pragmatic approach and will not be sending any rider or staff member living or based in Ireland to the 2020 UEC European Road Championships.
“In the case that this event continues to go ahead as scheduled, Cycling Ireland will only consider riders who are either World Tour Professional or who are Sport Ireland-carded for road disciplines - both men and women - and are currently based on mainland Europe.
“Should it be necessary, Cycling Ireland will arrange for staff support of riders from providers based offshore/in mainland Europe.
“Cycling Ireland will register a minimal number of riders, with a focus on the time trial format, and only those from the categories above will be considered for attendance. Those riders who are registered may accept a race entry in an opt-in capacity.
“While this is of great disappointment to all concerned, the health and safety of riders and staff is our primary concern and we will continue to work under the public health advice provided by government.”
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