The National Road Championships that had been planned for next month have been called off. The move was expected.
However, while it is not possible to hold the road and TT
championships for elites, U23s and juniors late next month, as had been
planned, it is still hoped the championships can go ahead later this year.
That possibility was still being worked on at the time of writing, though no firm plans were in place. The championships were to be held in Kilmessan and stickybottle understands it is very likely they will take place at a new location if they are held later in the year.
Cycling Ireland confirmed the planned championships in
late August were off in a statement issued on Thursday morning.
“Cycling Ireland has been working in conjunction with
local organisers to stage the 2020 Road and TT National Championships on the
UCI suggested dates of August 20-23,”
it said.
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“However, due to the ongoing challenges with regard to
hosting a major event in compliance with Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions
on travel, we regret to inform participants and fans alike that the event
cannot proceed as planned on August 20-23.
“The possibility of hosting the event at a later date in
2020 is being explored. A further statement outlining the status of the event
will be issued as soon as possible.”
The championships are normally held, Thursday to Sunday,
over the last weekend in June; the week before the Tour de France starts.
However, as racing was suspended all over the world for a
prolonged period due to Covid19, the UCI had asked nations to hold their
championships on the third weekend of August this year, just one week before
the Tour is due to start.
While the Irish championships were moved to that later
date as per the UCI’s request, it has now been decided the racing cannot go
ahead at that time.
Because Phase 4 of the easing of lock-down has been
delayed, the maximum number of people – including cyclists and officials – that
can gather in any one place outdoors remains at 200.
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