While Cycling Ireland has ceased all races and sportives until the end of March, some race organisers due to hold their events in May have cancelled.
The Victus Tour of Ulster is the latest event to be called off. And while the organisers hope to reschedule to some point later in the season, no date has been set.
Cancellation of the event, which was due to be promoted in the North from May 2nd to 4th, is a blow but is not entirely unexpected.
Northern Ireland will follow the public health precautions set in mainland Britain, where measures being put in place to stem the spread of Covid19 are extending to the end of April.
The fact the race will not be going ahead when planned is very disappointing as it posed a tough test for riders, is very professionally run and has produced great racing down the years.
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But the organisers said they felt they had little choice but to make what was a difficult decision and to do so now.
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“As part of
the fight against the spread of coronavirus, BGN Sports Management and Victus
Energy have made the joint decision to postpone the 2020 Victus Tour of Ulster,”
BGN Sports said in statement.
“In the light of recent developments, the decision has
been made in the best interest of the riders, staff, volunteers and the local
community.
“In these trying times we must pull together to slow the
growth and spread of Covid19. The decision was not taken lightly.
“But due to the uncertainty around the current lockdown
we have decided to postpone the event with its current date.
“Will we work closely with Cycling Ireland to find a suitable
date in the 2020 season,” the race organisers added.
Cycling Ireland has paused all racing and sportives until
the end of March, in line with school closures in the Republic and other
measures.
However, it seems probable that timeline will ne extend
as a sharp increase in newly diagnosed cases of Covid19 is anticipated in the
Republic in the next week.
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