Cycling Victoria Withdraws Event Sanctioning
Due to the latest data on COVID-19’s spread and in the interest of the health and well-being of our cycling communities and those in the communities in which our events are conducted, the Cycling Victoria Board has made the decision with immediate effect to cancel sanctioning for all cycling events until 30th April 2020.
The decision includes sanctioning for all Club races, State Opens and sanctioned recreational rides and programs.
While many of our events would come under the 500 people recommendation of cancellation by the Federal Government, we believe this is the right step to take.
The number of people travelling to our events, including from interstate would have negated the benefits of social distancing and put unnecessary pressure on the healthcare systems of some of the communities who welcome us to host events.
The events that will be impacted include:
- Mansfield Subaru Tour (VRS)
- Victorian Club Teams Track Championships
- Alpe de Buffalo (VJRS)
- Let’s Ride Track (School Holiday Program)
- This Girl Can Ride Track (to be rescheduled)
- Wal Smiths Weekend of Cycling
- VICXS Round One – Broadford
- Cycling & Co. programs
DISC Velodrome will be closed until 30th April, 2020. Cycling Victoria recommends that, because of current health concerns for all of the cycling community, Clubs cease organised training sessions.
We acknowledge the disappointment and some inconvenience caused in the short-term, the health of Victorians is of the utmost importance.
The Cycling Victoria Board will review the 30th April 2020 end date on a rolling basis, with the possibility of extending it on the circumstances.
Cycling Victoria strongly encourages Clubs and ride organisers to reconsider whether they run bunch rides at this time, and if they do, how those rides are structured.
For example, Health authorities’ recommendation to practice social distancing is applicable for riders who should consider applying the following measures on bunch rides:
- Keeping a gap of at least 1.5metres between each rider, including while stationary
- Limiting groups or bunches to ten (10) or fewer riders
- Ensuring all riders are self-sufficient in case of mechanical issues
- At cafes, leaving helmets, gloves and sunglasses away from the tables
We would like to thank the Event Promoters and Volunteers who have worked hard to put these events together in 2020. We are in unprecedented times at the moment, and we will work together with them to bring racing back to its best later in the year or in 2021.
Cycling Victoria is taking the measures we can within our control to protect our community. This includes giving all Cycling Victoria staff the option to work from home for the time being. Due to this, there may be times when our office at DISC is not staffed, and phone calls cannot be answered. Please contact vic.info@cycling.org.au with any queries.
Please avail yourself of further information by accessing the following websites:
Yours sincerely,
Craig Eastwood
General Manager
Cycling Victoria
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