COVID-19: US races/cycling events that have been cancelled

So a vaccine won’t likely be around until 2021 and who knows how many more mutations of COVID19 there will be and what affects it will have on immunity. It’s going to very difficult to avoid contracting the virus at some point. As these months go by the hospitals, supplies, testing, therapeutics and medical knowledge is ever increasing. I’m curious to see how the next month develops as restrictions are lifted in many areas. It will certainly be a last minute decision based on the latest news and knowledge whether I would participate. I will take reasonable precautions to avoid contracting the virus, but I can’t help but feel it’s also inevitable.

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A few thoughts in one post:

  1. USAC - additional information. Looking to empower regions and LA’s to make appropriate decisions based on their local considerations. Planning to issue a guidance and will update with best practices as situation evolves. USAC permits will be very carefully issued and require proof of permissions and other certifications from local towns, authorities etc. My take home is USAC wants to enable and not be a blocker but has responsibility as a governing body to be cautious, appropriate, etc. No word on how races that are insured will be covered. Am sure that will come forward.

  2. Race or not as an individual - I sit on the LA board in a couple roles and am friends with several local promoters. None of those promoters are planning races this season. They can’t see it as possible to get the right permissions and insurance nor do they want to do something unsafe and be liable. Racers seem very mixed from hell no to let’s go tomorrow. Pretty much what one would expect.

  3. We can see possibility for some individual, non-pack type events in the fall. Time trials, hill climbs, etc. Collectively think that would be great for the community if we can keep people from clustering before and after and otherwise keeping safe. TBD and we will see.

  4. Personally, I can see very small group rides as a personal choice. 3-5 friends on trails at same time for mtn biking as an example I too am resigned to either a good vaccine or being infected at some point. I would not personally participate in, organize or encourage larger group rides but that is a personal perspective.

Update from USAC just hit my inbox: amateur road national championships, mountain bike national championships likely cancelled. Pro road nats moved to fall (date TBD), marathon nats postponed until November 14.

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They changed MTB nats from “postponement likely” to “originally postponed-cancellation likely” without actually communicating what the new date was :man_facepalming:

For folks with extra time on their hands, the USAC update call from a few days ago it is available on the website: https://www.usacycling.org/officials/clinics-webinars-summits

Around 15 min may be the most interesting part for USAC as an entity outlining six guiding concepts. The graph at 21-22 min is worth a look…

FYI for folks not on the USAC mailing list:

USAC is having another webinar. If link doesn’t work check the website to register if interested. They will record it as last time and upload the material.

Monday, May 18 at 2:00 pm MDT

Statement provided to members:

“USA Cycling’s current ban on event permits is set to expire on May 31, 2020, and will be replaced with a set of guidelines that will consider local and regional health policies and regulations, the type of activity, and risk to the community and participants. With cycling events now often subject to requirements for mass gatherings and social distancing as set by local health authorities, it is critical that event organizers consider how to make their events safe in the time of COVID-19”.

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I just received an Email from the Race Organizers of the Mohican 100, it is going to happen May 30th. They have not confirmed if the Mohican State Park portion of the course will be included (depending on the DNR letting them use the MTB trail through the park). It will be a shortened course if the state park is excluded. If the state park is excluded it will definitely change the character (and length) of the race but it is still a beautiful area to ride. Stay tuned, sign up if you are itching to race.

They have outlined safety procedures developed in cooperation with the local hospital. Ohio was pretty aggressive in shutting things down early and completely. The hospitals are empty, so much so that my wife who is a contingent nurse has not been able to work for a month (previously working full time). Some people are outraged they are still holding the race. My opinion is that it seems reasonable to have the race with their precautions.

A couple years ago I could not pedal up the first hill of this course. So I will take a shot at it just to plant a flag on how far I have come (whether I finish or not I have come a long way).

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The least helpful update of all time from USAC: https://www.usacycling.org/index.php?p=article/national-championship-update-may-15th

Why do they keep doing this?

Feels like an airline just delaying the departure every 30 minutes when they are going to cancel the flight anyway

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Guess we should add Kona to the list here…didn’t see it posted elsewhere on the forum.

I think the February option would be tough for most NA athletes…trying ot hit peak IM form while training through the winter? Besides the monotony of hours and hours and hours of training inside, add in heat acclimatization. UGH.

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In the same boat (A race). Don’t know if you’ve followed the chatter on FB but it’s pretty ugly. I think I’m going to sit it out, it’s just too big too soon for me personally to feel comfortable doing it.

The race director keeps mentioning a “mitigation plan” but isn’t giving any details at all for some weird reason.

http://intelligentsiacup.com/2020/05/27/2020-intelligentsia-cup-canceled-due-to-covid-19/

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Rooted Vermont is now canceled for 2020 :sob:

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Should start a post for events not cancelled

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Rasputitsa is now moved to “cancelled” (rescheduled to 2021).

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Texas Gravel Championship cancelled also.

Anyone heard anything about BWR Asheville? Been crickets on event page.

Tour of Americas Dairyland: now cancelled.

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Add Gravel Worlds to the list…

Park City P2P now cancelled. They will be offering early registration, next year, to this year’s registrants.