COVID-19 has had an unpreceded impact on the world. On the 20th July Cycling New Zealand (herein referred to as CNZ) published its position statement on international campaign and project activities. In developing this position statement, consideration was given (but not exclusively) to how the pandemic has affected the general population worldwide, cycle racing, travel, short and long term health risks and CNZ’s duty of care towards its members and staff.
This update further addresses the position of CNZ in selecting, supporting or endorsing riders representing New Zealand at the 2020 UCI Road World Championships, the remaining 2020 Mountain Bike World Cups and the 2020 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships.
The 2020 UCI Road World Championships were due to be held in Aigle-Martigny, Switzerland from 20 to 27 September 2020. On 12 August 2020 the Swiss Federal Council extended its ban on events for more than 1000 people. Given this decision, the UCI have confirmed the event will no longer take place in this venue. The UCI have announced that they are looking for an alternative host. An update on a potential new host is expected on 1 September 2020.
Whilst CNZ await further information from the UCI, our current Selection Policy for the 2020 UCI Road World Championships in Aigle-Martigny has been suspended.
In addition, in light of the current situation, when more information is given by the UCI on or before 1 September 2020, in order to reach a decision pertaining to the 2020 UCI Road World Championships, CNZ will consider the following:
- Depending on a new venue and date, CNZ reserve the right to participate or not, in the 2020 UCI Road World Championships;
- Based on UCI’s newly proposed venue and date, CNZ reserve the right to amend the selection policy for the 2020 UCI Road World Championships;
- Consideration for selection will only be given to those riders who can demonstrate they comply with, and are adhering to the most current UCI World Tour Coronavirus protocols and processespublished by the UCI at the time when a-newly amended and approved CNZ selection policy is posted.
In regards to the remaining 2020 UCI Mountain Bike World Cups and 2020 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, at this point in time the UCI have yet to issue Covid-19 health and safety protocols for these events. Until such time as any Covid-19 health and safety protocols are released, CNZ will not be in a position to endorse the entry of any riders representing New Zealand in any of the aforementioned events.
CNZ continues to monitor the global situation and reserves the right to modify its approach to its activities over the next few months.
Jacques Landry
Chief Executive
Cycling New Zealand