FOLLOWING an emergency meeting regarding COVID-19 on Monday, the Cycling NSW board has decided to cancel sanctioned events immediately until April 30.
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The decision includes sanctioning for all club races, state open races and sanctioned recreational rides - meaning all Nowra Velo Club action will be temporarily suspended.
Events affected include the Orica Kermesse, Erik Mather Cup and Jindabyne Womens #100 Challenge.
These events will be postponed to a later date, subject to discussion with the event organisers.
Dunc Gray Velodrome will be closed until 30 April, 2020.
Cycling NSW recommends that, because of current health concerns for all of the cycling community, clubs cease organised training sessions.
The board will review the 30 April end date on a rolling basis, with the possibility of extending it depending on the circumstances.
Cycling NSW 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, in light of NSW Health recommendations to practise "social distancing", riders should consider applying the "metre matters" rule not just while driving, but also during bunch rides.
Measures to consider include:
- keeping a gap of at least 1.5 metres between riders, including while stopped at intersections
- limiting groups or bunches to 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
The board's decision reverses yesterday's statement, which had indicated we did not intend to cancel any events.
The board now considers that the rapidly escalating COVID-19 crisis and the seriousness of its threat to community health necessitates this decision.
Although current government advice does not require the cancellation of these events, Cycling NSW has decided to take a proactive approach, noting that the crisis has escalated rapidly and demanded swift, early responses in other countries.
No doubt some members will be disappointed by this decision.
However, Cycling NSW's top priority is the health and safety of not just our members but also the wider community, including volunteers.
The extreme measures taken worldwide, such as lockdowns in Italy, Spain and France, international travel bans, and the cancelling of all race sanctioning in the US, demonstrate the level of this threat.
The Cycling NSW Board believes that swift and decisive action is required now.
Entries for events that have already opened, including the Grafton to Inverell, will remain open.
If events are postponed, entries will be carried over where possible, or refunded.
For more information and advice on how to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by social distancing, please refer to NSW Health fact sheets.
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