27 May 2020
All British Cycling sanctioned cycling activity is currently suspended until 1 August 2020. While many of you have been enjoying the opportunity to ride recreationally, we appreciate that the cycling community is looking for direction and certainty on when club, group and competitive activity can resume.
The British Cycling position has been agreed with Scottish Cycling and Welsh Cycling, but we recognise that devolved government guidance may dictate that adjustments are required, including the dates we are working towards.
To support the Scottish Cycling clubs, event organisers and riders, the following guidance will further explain the British Cycling extension to the suspension of activity, in Scotland.
International and British National level races, including British National Series, British Championships and Sportives
British Cycling are extending the suspension of International and British National Series and Championship races and all Sportives until 1 September 2020. This will include the British National Series events which were due to take place in Scotland during that time.
British Cycling will review this on a fortnightly basis in line with UK Government advice and will give six weeks’ public notice of any extension or curtailment of the suspension. British Cycling, working with event organisers and stakeholders will lead on the process to rearrange these events later in the calendar year if possible.
For Sportives in Scotland, these events must follow the Scottish Government advice, and this will be communicated accordingly if there is any change to this suspension date.
Regional Racing including Scottish National Championship and Series Events
British Cycling have extended the suspension of regional level races to the 1 August 2020. This type of event also includes all Scottish National Championship and Series events, regardless of the category of racing.
Scottish Cycling will work with British cycling to review this on a fortnightly basis and we will give four weeks’ notice of any extension or curtailment of the suspension in Scotland, which will be based on Scottish Government guidance. We will also adopt a risk management approach which means that some disciplines or events can return ahead others if the format allows the safety of all to be managed appropriately.
Scottish Cycling are working in partnership with the Events Commissions and event organisers to investigate return to racing options, in line with British Cycling and Scottish Government advice and guidance. The views of the Scottish Cycling community will help inform the production of a race calendar with events that will be safe for all participants.
To support a return to racing, Scottish Cycling are undertaking a short survey to establish the current views of racers and event volunteers, including organisers and officials. This will help us identify any additional areas of support which may be required when we are able to resume racing.
A link to the survey can be found here.
Clubs
- At this point in time, all sanctioned club activities remain suspended including club runs
- We advise the continued use of digital platforms to continue to interact as a club. Holding club meetings, running social and education activities etc for members via this method is encouraged. For further information and support conducting activities over digital platforms please click here
Coaching and MTB Leaders
- One to one coaching is permitted if it is outdoors, physical distancing can be maintained, and is with members of your household and/or members of up to two other households up to a maximum of 8 people in total at a time (1 coach and 7 participant).
- Mountain Bike Leaders can lead rides if outdoors, physical distancing can be maintained, and is with members of your household and/or members of up to two other households up to a maximum of 8 people in total at a time (1 leader and 7 participants).
- Coaches and leaders can, for paid work purposes, travel beyond 5 miles
Ride Leaders/Breeze Champions
- Breeze and Guided Rides, cannot go ahead. We would urge Ride Leaders/Breeze Champions to ensure that any level of organised activity they choose to undertake away from British Cycling-sanctioned rides is in line with Government advice.
Great Britain Cycling Team
We are working with UK Sport and the HSBC UK National Cycling Centre to manage the return to training for the Great Britain Cycling Team in accordance with the UK Government guidance.
What Happens Next
Our priority remains ensuring the safety of all participants, volunteers, and the wider community in Scotland as we progress through a gradual return to cycling activity.
Our full guidance document is now available.
Scottish Cycling: The Way Forward
Updated statement from Scottish Cycling regarding physical activity during COVID-19.
