Will any sportives go ahead in 2020?

11-05-2020 11:37am #1

Just got am email saying the Tour de Connemara, and the Ring of Clare cancelled for 2020.
Will any sportives go ahead this year?

Macy0161 · 11-05-2020 11:51am

No one knows, but hard to see these (or even group spins) while physical distancing remains a "need to do".

Loads of variables/ unknowns at this point - treatment, anti-body tests, whether you can catch it again, whether it mutates...

ednwireland · 11-05-2020 12:37pm

doubt it

KevRossi · 11-05-2020 1:10pm

Paris-Roubaix sportive was postponed a number of weeks ago. They still intend to hold it if possible this year but are waiting to see how things develop.

Not sure how the main Pro race is affected by this. Would it be the day after as per usual, or are they all cancelled or just postponed?

I don't see much chance of any of them taking place this year.

keane2097 · 11-05-2020 3:19pm

Ring of Beara was rescheduled for 29th of August which looks optimistic now.

Westportif was due to take place the week just gone. They postponed on the 28th of March and there has yet to be an update with regard to new date, refunds or anything, which isn't great.

RobFowl · 11-05-2020 3:34pm

I suspect some will go ahead but with a restriction on numbers.
Nothing before August though (IMO)

ridelikeaturtle · 12-05-2020 12:24am

No.

07Lapierre · 12-05-2020 8:14am

Very unlikely any sportive goes ahead before September I'd say and any that do will have limited entries. I imagine their won't be a mass start and no "pasta Party" at the finish. It'll be a case of turning up, go pass the start line, no indoor food stops, and once passed the finish line, head straight home. Very little "atmosphere" roll on 2021!

magicbastarder · 12-05-2020 8:45am

would be curious if insurance companies are even taking queries about insurance for events like this. if you don't have insurance confirmed, it would tie your hands in terms of committing to organising it i would assume.

RobFowl · 12-05-2020 12:39pm

Insurance will be a CI issue. Once they get the go ahead the events will be covered.

Beasty · 12-05-2020 1:46pm

RobFowl wrote: »

I suspect some will go ahead but with a restriction on numbers.
Nothing before August though (IMO)

Nothing before 10 August under the current roadmap, but even then we will have social distancing. In the WW200 I've seen 500+ turn up at a feeding station over a 30-40 minute period. No way that sort of thing can be allowed until social distancing is relaxed (which I do not see happening this year)

Mercian Pro · 12-05-2020 2:14pm

Audax-like sportives such as the Mick Byrne 200 might have been a possibility but that had already been cancelled for this year. Time enough later in the year to start looking at some of the permanent Audax routes.

07Lapierre · 12-05-2020 2:19pm

Beasty wrote: »

Nothing before 10 August under the current roadmap, but even then we will have social distancing. In the WW200 I've seen 500+ turn up at a feeding station over a 30-40 minute period. No way that sort of thing can be allowed until social distancing is relaxed (which I do not see happening this year)

They could restrict each rider to “one sandwich only” at the food stops? Or has that been tried before?

Beasty · 12-05-2020 2:25pm

07Lapierre wrote: »

They could restrict each rider to “one sandwich only” at the food stops? Or has that been tried before?

I think the only way would be to do it as they do it in the peloton and allow people to grab refreshment bags as they go past a "feeding station"

Of course there can be no drafting within 2 meters and any overtaking must be done on the other side of the road - none of this 2 abreast stuff! Might wind up a few drivers when there's a 5km single file of cyclists to overtake:pac:

07Lapierre · 12-05-2020 2:33pm

Beasty wrote: »

I think the only way would be to do it as they do it in the peloton and allow people to grab refreshment bags as they go past a "feeding station"

Of course there can be no drafting within 2 meters and any overtaking must be done on the other side of the road - none of this 2 abreast stuff! Might wind up a few drivers when there's a 5km single file of cyclists to overtake:pac:

Upset drivers? Not if the event is held on closed roads.

dogsears · 12-05-2020 3:41pm

keane2097 wrote: »

Ring of Beara was rescheduled for 29th of August which looks optimistic now.

Westportif was due to take place the week just gone. They postponed on the 28th of March and there has yet to be an update with regard to new date, refunds or anything, which isn't great.

Ring of Beara now cancelled for 2020 (with auto entry to next year).

keane2097 · 12-05-2020 3:59pm

dogsears wrote: »

Ring of Beara now cancelled for 2020 (with auto entry to next year).

Well **** it anyway

Macy0161 · 12-05-2020 4:22pm

I'd see out on the roads as much as an issue as food stops. I mean, you can't really do a club group spin and physically distance?

at1withmyself · 12-05-2020 4:29pm

Sounds perfect to me anyway!

"07Lapierre wrote: »

I'd say any that do will have limited entries. I imagine their won't be a mass start and no "pasta Party" at the finish. It'll be a case of turning up, go pass the start line, no indoor food stops, and once passed the finish line, head straight home!

CramCycle · 13-05-2020 10:21am

I just can't see it this year in any way shape or form, I wouldn't get my hopes up, I think we will be doing well if they are possible by March next year and would be disappointed with any organisation planning any sooner than that.

Macy0161 · 13-05-2020 12:57pm

CramCycle wrote: »

I just can't see it this year in any way shape or form, I wouldn't get my hopes up, I think we will be doing well if they are possible by March next year and would be disappointed with any organisation planning any sooner than that.

To be honest, there's very little guidance coming from CI. I get their damned if they do, damned if they don't, to some extent but clubs are basically being left to make their own calls.

CramCycle · 13-05-2020 1:07pm

Macy0161 wrote: »

To be honest, there's very little guidance coming from CI. I get their damned if they do, damned if they don't, to some extent but clubs are basically being left to make their own calls.

Considering some of the stupid sh1t I have heard some riders and clubs calling for, they really are damned no matter what, but then so is society if any of those are taken seriously.
If they say, no events to next year, you have people crawling out to give out sh1t that they can't possibly know. They pick the first day after restrictions are eased, they know that people will plan for something that can't reasonably happen.
The government has guidelines, I feel that it should be pretty obvious to anyone that anything that requires huge planning like a big sportive should have the common sense to know, they won't have enough confidence about whether it is possible to run until it is too late, so just take it that it is not running, simples.

RobFowl · 13-05-2020 1:52pm

CI haven't given guidance other than to obey government instructions because that is the right thing to do.
They has asked for clarification on where competitive and organised events fall within the relaxation proposals.
They can and tbh should do nothing else at this stage.
People are dying everyday and we need to do what we can to limit this.

Mercian Pro · 13-05-2020 1:57pm

Macy0161 wrote: »

To be honest, there's very little guidance coming from CI. I get their damned if they do, damned if they don't, to some extent but clubs are basically being left to make their own calls.

Whatever about Sportives, and I agree it will probably be next year before they resume, in 5 days time cycling in groups of up to four people will be permitted provided social distancing can be maintained. Surely CI should be issuing guidance or protocols regarding this covering things like distance between cyclists, being self-sufficient, no spitting or nose blowing, avoiding narrow routes such as towpaths where you can't keep 2m from others, etc, etc.

By way of comparison, Irish Sailing have circulated their members with an 18 page document entitled Return to Sailing Phase 1, Mountaineering Ireland have published a Roadmap for the Return to Hillwalking and Climbing, the Golfing Union of Ireland have very detailed protocols for when play resumes as have Tennis Ireland. All of these sporting bodies, and I'm sure plenty of others, have worked with Sports Ireland and other stakeholders in drawing up these documents.

Is it because CI are primarily focused on racing and that is unlikely to resume until later phases or have they actually produced something but haven't released it yet? Is it an attempt to force clubs to draw up their own plans as suggested above?

Weepsie · 13-05-2020 2:06pm

Mercian Pro wrote: »

Whatever about Sportives, and I agree it will probably be next year before they resume, in 5 days time cycling in groups of up to four people will be permitted provided social distancing can be maintained. Surely CI should be issuing guidance or protocols regarding this covering things like distance between cyclists, being self-sufficient, no spitting or nose blowing, avoiding narrow routes such as towpaths where you can't keep 2m from others, etc, etc.

By way of comparison, Irish Sailing have circulated their members with an 18 page document entitled Return to Sailing Phase 1, Mountaineering Ireland have published a Roadmap for the Return to Hillwalking and Climbing, the Golfing Union of Ireland have very detailed protocols for when play resumes as have Tennis Ireland. All of these sporting bodies, and I'm sure plenty of others, have worked with Sports Ireland and other stakeholders in drawing up these documents.

Is it because CI are primarily focused on racing and that is unlikely to resume until later phases or have they actually produced something but haven't released it yet? Is it an attempt to force clubs to draw up their own plans as suggested above?

Why the feck should they.

This is being rammed into us for months now. Why on earth should CI be the ones giving people guidance to something that is bloody obvious to anyone who has paid attention.

People moaned about them not lobbying for easing restrictions for cycling. Those people should've been told to go do one.

IF people need to be told what they can and can't do at this stage, then they should just stay at home to be honest.

If they do sent out guidelines, people will moan about them being restrictive.

Other than, insurance, and stating that if in a group of more than 4 it's void.

Macy0161 · 13-05-2020 2:09pm

It was more into the lockdown I was getting at, rather than the way out now. It was clear that the initial phase wasn't the last, but they only went as far as that, and clubs had to make (the albeit obvious) call. Hate to give them any credit, for TI made an early call on their events.

Mercian Pro wrote: »

Whatever about Sportives, and I agree it will probably be next year before they resume, in 5 days time cycling in groups of up to four people will be permitted provided social distancing can be maintained. Surely CI should be issuing guidance or protocols regarding this covering things like distance between cyclists, being self-sufficient, no spitting or nose blowing, avoiding narrow routes such as towpaths where you can't keep 2m from others, etc, etc.

Or whether it is even realistic, in their view, that social distancing can be maintained in a cycling group at all?

magicbastarder · 13-05-2020 3:01pm

Mercian Pro wrote: »

By way of comparison, Irish Sailing have circulated their members with an 18 page document entitled Return to Sailing Phase 1, Mountaineering Ireland have published a Roadmap for the Return to Hillwalking and Climbing, the Golfing Union of Ireland have very detailed protocols for when play resumes as have Tennis Ireland. All of these sporting bodies, and I'm sure plenty of others, have worked with Sports Ireland and other stakeholders in drawing up these documents.

i checked the mountaineering ireland one, and it seems to be a simple restating of the government's guidelines. there's nothing new in it, and you could substitute any one of a number activities in at the top of the page.

https://www.mountaineering.ie/aboutus/news/2020/?id=272

Mercian Pro · 13-05-2020 6:28pm

Weepsie wrote: »

Why the feck should they.

Because they are the official Governing Body for the sport. The Government, HSE, NPHET etc set out the high level requirements but rely on the NGBs, working through Sport Ireland, to interpret how these requirements will be implemented for each sport. That process has been going on for some time and most other NGBs have been quite open in keeping their members informed of developments. Given the confusion and rancour that emerged over the interpretations of "brief exercise" by cyclists, I would have thought more specific guidance from our own Representative Body would be welcomed.

Macy0161 wrote: »

Or whether it is even realistic, in their view, that social distancing can be maintained in a cycling group at all?

I fully agree.

magicbastarder wrote: »

i checked the mountaineering ireland one, and it seems to be a simple restating of the government's guidelines. there's nothing new in it, and you could substitute any one of a number activities in at the top of the page.

An earlier message from MI informed members that they were working with Sport Ireland and other key stakeholders to develop guidelines for hillwalkers and climbers to assist with the safe return to the sport. I assume this will be published shortly but is less critical for the moment unless you live within 5km of a mountain.

Weepsie · 13-05-2020 7:27pm

They can't really just interpret them, and form guidelines like that, especially for cycling where the "normal" rules will not be able to apply.

Cycling is arguably one of the trickiest sports to do this for. The act of cycling is not a problem. Needs no guidelines, and hence low risk. Cycling in a group of any size though is a different ball game though

2metres apart won't work, it will need to be more, possibly a lot more, as you're entering the shared space so much quicker.

Realistically, group cycling needs to be canned for the foreseeable future and there's no easy way to state this without people getting in a huff, which they will as quite a few have been wholly unreasonable about the rules and why it should apply to their cycles and have been sending CI nonsense messages about lobbying to relax them.

But people know this, if they don't then they havnt been paying any attention.

Golf is perhaps the easiest sport to develop any sort of guidelines for, there's a Shi+ tonne of money swilling around there too.

Mefistofelino · 13-05-2020 8:49pm

Canoeing Ireland have published a detailed Return to Paddling plan, outlining what they expect to be permitted at each stage and for each level of participant. It meshes the Covid restrictions with their water safety guidelines.

As a sport it has some similarities with cycling -there's little enough money ( unlike golf and sailing) and a mix of solo & group training & participation. Canoeing has the added complication of proximity for assists/ rescues conflicting with the distancing requirements, which has some parallels with distancing vs group riding in cycling.

https://canoe.ie/2020/05/13/return-to-paddling-guidelines/

TGD · 13-05-2020 9:00pm

RobFowl wrote: »

CI ....has asked (Government) for clarification on where competitive and organised events fall within the relaxation proposals

As if ‘Government’ has people employed to know the minute details of every sport and discipline, and to individually advise every sporting organization in the country how they should run every type of event, or not. Government has other things to be doing. Cycling Ireland should step up to the plate and provide leadership within the broader Government guidelines, and not be passing the decision-buck to ‘Government’.

Mercian Pro · 13-05-2020 9:09pm

I know we are special in so many ways but I am at a loss to see why we don't need any cycle-specific guidance or advice as the current restrictions are eased over the next few months. Group cycling will not be canned and, as I pointed out above, will be permitted from Monday next for groups of up to four cyclists. Is every club going to make its own recommendations on how this should work when members head out together on training spins or are they going to ban or discourage it?

You seem to have a major problem with members contacting CI about the relaxation of the restrictions. As one who did this, and posted about it here, I was heartened to find the following in CI's most recent communication: "The phased easing of travel restrictions for exercise, which is set at 5-kilometers until June 8th at the earliest, is a welcome development for leisure and racing cyclists, albeit the limitation will continue to curtail training and leisure cycling to a large extent." This precisely what I was looking for (nonsense or not) and I look forward to availing of this easing of travel restrictions in the Phoenix Park tomorrow morning.

We are probably way OT on a thread about sportives so I'll leave it there.

Weepsie · 13-05-2020 9:10pm

TGD wrote: »

As if ‘Government’ has people employed to know the minute details of every sport and discipline, and to individually advise every sporting organization in the country how they should run every type of event, or not. Government has other things to be doing. Cycling Ireland should step up to the plate and provide leadership within the broader Government guidelines, and not be passing the decision-buck to ‘Government’.

Well then expect a lot more time, because cycling can not be done within the normal social distancing rules, it just can't.

That means group cycling can't happen. No races, no club spins, no sportives. No going going out with mates.

They have one chance to really get this right. People have already been at them with nonsense requests that to me didn't d deserve attention.

This doesn't require any guidance whatsoever. Any one who has any bit of cop on, any semblance of intelligence should know, that cycling events as we know them, can not happen. They just can't. A bit of personal responsibility is not that hard.

Time trials, Audax, and any sort of solo cycle are really, the only thing that can happen because evidence suggests that a lot more than 2 metres would be required.

billyhead · 13-05-2020 9:13pm

Cycling in even pairs won't work. It's would be too hard to maintain a 2 meter gap at all times.

Weepsie · 13-05-2020 9:18pm

Mercian Pro wrote: »

I know we are special in so many ways but I am at a loss to see why we don't need any cycle-specific guidance or advice as the current restrictions are eased over the next few months. Group cycling will not be canned and, as I pointed out above, will be permitted from Monday next for groups of up to four cyclists. Is every club going to make its own recommendations on how this should work when members head out together on training spins or are they going to ban or discourage it?

You seem to have a major problem with members contacting CI about the relaxation of the restrictions. As one who did this, and posted about it here, I was heartened to find the following in CI's most recent communication: "The phased easing of travel restrictions for exercise, which is set at 5-kilometers until June 8th at the earliest, is a welcome development for leisure and racing cyclists, albeit the limitation will continue to curtail training and leisure cycling to a large extent." This precisely what I was looking for (nonsense or not) and I look forward to availing of this easing of travel restrictions in the Phoenix Park tomorrow morning.

We are probably way OT on a thread about sportives so I'll leave it there.

I've a problem with people specifically asking for them to be lobbying for easing of restrictions as a few selfish eejits did.

I and everyone else can't see my loved ones, so I personally couldn't give a sh#!t if people can't go out for their longer cycles or have their group spins.

I genuinely just can't stand that people can not seem to grasp the idea of personal responsibility in all this though If we need officialdom to clarify everything beyond the facts as they are presented, then we are absolutely doomed.

magicbastarder · 13-05-2020 9:32pm

neither cycling ireland, nor the government, nor the WHO know what is a safe distance to cycle behind another cyclist, simply because no-one knows how transmissible this is in that context. scientists are still trying to get to grips with how transmissible it is between people sharing an indoor airspace, let alone exercising outdoors in the slipstream of someone who is potentially contagious.

if CI issued guidelines, the guidelines would be drawn up in complete ignorance of how effective or ineffective they might be. but drawing them up would imply they're based on some sort of known reality; so it's possible that instead of admiring other sporting bodies for drawing up guidelines, we should actually be suspicious of them.

ednwireland · 13-05-2020 9:45pm

and cycling 20m
https://twitter.com/i/status/1259007239903379458

Macy0161 · 13-05-2020 9:52pm

I can't see how group spins, racing or sportives can go ahead with physical distancing. Even ITT's - physically distanced on the road, but what about the start and end?

They'd be better coming out saying only solo spins while social distancing is a thing. Tbh my take is that CI are running from making the obvious and necessary call.

murphyebass · 13-05-2020 9:52pm

Mercian Pro wrote: »

Whatever about Sportives, and I agree it will probably be next year before they resume, in 5 days time cycling in groups of up to four people will be permitted provided social distancing can be maintained.

So let’s thrash that out. Myself and one friend decide to go for a spin. How do social distance exactly?

It won’t work for two people never mind 4 people. Club spins and sportive shouldn’t happen until a vaccine!

magicbastarder · 13-05-2020 9:56pm

i am *very* wary of such videos. they're usually made by people applying their single talent to a multi-faceted issue.
the tweeter has mentioned 'safe' distance, but they're first of all making the assumption that 1.5m is safe; and the model just shows that at 4m, movement, airflow and fluid dynamics says that still applies for walkers. in an atmosphere with no wind. it says nothing about time spent in that airspace, wind carrying the theoretical particles away from you or towards you...

like i said about producing guidelines, it's claming an outcome to a degree of accuracy greater than the inputs they're using.

Beasty · 13-05-2020 9:57pm

Macy0161 wrote: »

I can't see how group spins, racing or sportives can go ahead with physical distancing. Even ITT's - physically distanced on the road, but what about the start and end?

They'd be better coming out saying only solo spins while social distancing is a thing. Tbh my take is that CI are running from making the obvious and necessary call.

On TTs I think they can be done. Just no holding at the start. Timekeepers can be in cars some distance away. They only need to be able to count down loud enough to be heard

eeeee · 13-05-2020 10:01pm

Beasty wrote: »

On TTs I think they can be done. Just no holding at the start. Timekeepers can be in cars some distance away. They only need to be able to count down loud enough to be heard

I don't see how sign on, bathroom facilities, finish etc. can be managed with social distancing, even at an ITT.

Eamonnator · 13-05-2020 10:29pm

When I have my arms outstretched, it's 1.90 metres from fingertip to fingertip.
When cycling in a group, or with one person, the cyclist beside me is never that far from me. Normally, on my Sunday spins, I'd only be about 50 cms. away from the cyclist beside me and it would pass unnoticed, if two people touched elbows.
I dont think, it's possible for a group of four cyclists to ride 2 X 2 for any length of time on Irish roads and maintain a distance of 2 metres.

07Lapierre · 13-05-2020 11:15pm

I suspect in the next phase, cycling in pairs (two abreast) will be allowed. Even if it’s not, being able to cycle within a 20k limit and stop for a take away coffee is something I’m looking forward to doing.

CramCycle · 14-05-2020 12:40am

TGD wrote: »

As if ‘Government’ has people employed to know the minute details of every sport and discipline, and to individually advise every sporting organization in the country how they should run every type of event, or not. Government has other things to be doing. Cycling Ireland should step up to the plate and provide leadership within the broader Government guidelines, and not be passing the decision-buck to ‘Government’.

What if CI came out and said their recommendations are too do nothing. They are actively saying that they won't be promoting or supporting events until October at the earliest. They will cover insurance for riders who are on solo spins within government distance limits or commuting and thats it.

People would go ballistic but you know what, it would be the right thing to do.

Follow the guidelines but as far as CI is concerned, anything short of saying nothing until September, and even then, don't f***ing pre plan anything is grossly negligent.

CI are doing their best not to give hope to people who shouldn't get it, because it would be false. Maybe they are giving to much credit to some people in thinking that government guidelines are simple enough to follow and where they are not specific, that common sense will take over.

Imagine I am from CI, imagine this is what they email you

"Dear Cycling Ireland,

There will be no events outside of online ones and maybe strava segment challenges or Audax Permanents until September, and in September we will review it but don't plan anything as we might say, you know what, lets wait. So calm down and wait. It is not the most important thing in the world right now.

Regards"

maxamillius · 14-05-2020 8:00am

murphyebass wrote: »

So let’s thrash that out. Myself and one friend decide to go for a spin. How do social distance exactly?

It won’t work for two people never mind 4 people. Club spins and sportive shouldn’t happen until a vaccine!

Not arguing just making a point, SARS appeared 18 years ago, and there is still no vaccine, but sure why people are insistent that there will be a vaccine for covid 19 this year or next, I myself don’t see this happening, we need to look at ways in how we can move on with our lives!

maxamillius · 14-05-2020 8:02am

07Lapierre wrote: »

I suspect in the next phase, cycling in pairs (two abreast) will be allowed. Even if it’s not, being able to cycle within a 20k limit and stop for a take away coffee is something I’m looking forward to doing.

Agreed, although I do look forward to the day where we can cycle comfortably in groups of 2/3, as much as I cycle for exercise it’s also a hugely social part of my life, getting away from the kids for a few hours to meet some mates on a Saturday morning.

murphyebass · 14-05-2020 8:20am

maxamillius wrote: »

Not arguing just making a point, SARS appeared 18 years ago, and there is still no vaccine, but sure why people are insistent that there will be a vaccine for covid 19 this year or next, I myself don’t see this happening, we need to look at ways in how we can move on with our lives!

We need to look at ways we can move on with our lives but the numbers are nowhere close to allowing cycling 2 abreast (or groups) right now.

Some sports just aren’t viable at this time no matter how much people want them to be. Sure look at the farce that is football at the moment. Football seasons in the uk should have been voided weeks ago. Instead players and their families will now be put at risk for the moral of the nation. Bollox.

Cycling is fine solo which thankfully we can all do safely.

As for a vaccine I reckon there’s more of a chance with it than SARS considering the money and government support that it’s getting to find it.

And if not that a viable treatment would be the next best thing. Getting it right now is no joke.

Macy0161 · 14-05-2020 8:27am

CramCycle wrote: »

What if CI came out and said their recommendations are too do nothing. They are actively saying that they won't be promoting or supporting events until October at the earliest. They will cover insurance for riders who are on solo spins within government distance limits or commuting and thats it.

People would go ballistic but you know what, it would be the right thing to do.

Follow the guidelines but as far as CI is concerned, anything short of saying nothing until September, and even then, don't f***ing pre plan anything is grossly negligent.

CI are doing their best not to give hope to people who shouldn't get it, because it would be false. Maybe they are giving to much credit to some people in thinking that government guidelines are simple enough to follow and where they are not specific, that common sense will take over.

Imagine I am from CI, imagine this is what they email you

"Dear Cycling Ireland,

There will be no events outside of online ones and maybe strava segment challenges or Audax Permanents until September, and in September we will review it but don't plan anything as we might say, you know what, lets wait. So calm down and wait. It is not the most important thing in the world right now.

Regards"

That's what I feel they are putting off. I fear we'll get some bs about groups if you can maintain 2m. Which I don't see how you can.

ednwireland · 14-05-2020 8:58am

maxamillius wrote: »

Not arguing just making a point, SARS appeared 18 years ago, and there is still no vaccine, but sure why people are insistent that there will be a vaccine for covid 19 this year or next, I myself don’t see this happening, we need to look at ways in how we can move on with our lives!

completely OT but sars vaccine wasnt developed because it was contained and there wasnt enough money in it to continue developing a vaccine, covid is a different ball game completely.

and i dont see how you can social distance and cycle in a group

JimmiesRustled · 14-05-2020 9:04am

What's the point in CI releasing a road map? People keep going on and on about "Phase 5" and the "10th of August" as if they're some magical date. The reality is this whole thing could kick off again (not that it's gone away but it certainly seems to be heading in the right direction). In that case, those dates and "Phase 5" get pushed out. The dates are completely arbitrary. They're just a placeholder.

If CI release anything now that isn't a direct copy and paste from the Governments own advice, they're not only creating a stick to beat themselves with but, if this place is anything to go by, you'll have a load of people finding loopholes where they don't technically exist. The guidance might mention something about organised events and lads here would argue that their event isn't organised, it's completely impromptu and therefore complies with the guidance issued by the governing body of the sport.

The only thing I currently want from CI is an extension of the current 12 round Zwift race series. Unfortunately I think that's about the extent of organised events for the year.

Now, I hope I'm wrong and we can find some way of dealing with / treating / immunising against the virus which would allow us to return to a certain degree of normality.

Will any sportives go ahead in 2020?

Comments