Due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19, the Scottish Cyclocross series will not take place for 2020. Scottish Cycling will continue to support and work with the Scottish Cyclocross Association and the clubs, event organisers and volunteers involved as time goes on and there is a clearer picture of a return to sport and competition.
Davie Graham, Chair of the Scottish Cyclocross Association, “It is with a heavy heart that the SCX Association's Committee has decided we are unable to host this year's Scottish Cyclocross Series.
With all the uncertainty at the moment it is not possible for organisers to actively plan large series races as we know them. It is also simply not fair on organisers, volunteers, racers and officials to commit to a season that will almost certainly still have some social distancing restrictions in place. The health and safety of everyone involved in cyclocross is our main priority.
As the situation develops, the restrictions will lift to the point where it is possible to organise races again, when we get to this stage, we will fully support any organiser wishing to hold an event that meets the latest guidance.
We will continue to hold our regular Tuesday evening virtual racing on RGT Cycling and hope to make more virtual events available for you in the months ahead. Keep an eye on our scottishcx.org.uk calendar for the latest information.”
At present, all British Cycling sanctioned activity is suspended until 30th June 2020. More information on this can be seen here.
While Scottish Cycling share the disappointment that there will be no series in 2020, the decision of the Association and event organisers is fully supported and the health, safety and wellbeing of all volunteers and participants is our first priority. This decision may also impact the running of a Scottish Cyclocross Championships, scheduled to take place in December 2020, however an update on this will be provided in due course.
Scottish Cycling will follow current Scottish government advice and guidance at all times, but if restrictions are lifted we will support stand alone or pop up CX events which may take place in the winter of 2020-21.
We, like all of you, are missing our sport and the prospect of a summer of no competition, especially no cycling races and events is a sad one. However, we also understand that getting back to racing may not be at the forefront of everyone’s mind and that these uncertain times mean that people across our community have different priorities. Supporting this community, across our organisers, volunteers, officials, clubs and riders to get back to racing and a thriving cycling scene is our focus and we will continue to work with all of you to work out how best we do that.
We are currently working with our colleagues at British and Welsh Cycling to consider the options for returning to racing in 2020, once Government restrictions are lifted, however we must also consider the impact of social distancing and social responsibility. We have also started investigating various scenarios regarding return to racing across all disciplines and levels of racing, considering the impact of these models on our Scottish events calendar, volunteers and riders. I am sure you will agree that this is not a simple task with the circumstances changing often and new advice and restrictions being introduced regularly.
Following direct conversations with some key people in the cycling community, including Commission members, we will be continuing to consult with event organisers, officials, volunteers and riders to determine the best course of action of the remainder of the cycling season. Scottish Cycling will continue to support the communication of these decisions and work with event organisers across all disciplines, to adjust the calendar where appropriate.
Event organisers and volunteers should contact events@scottishcycling.org.uk for direct queries on their event.
