A Complete Timeline of Coronavirus' Effects on Mountain Biking [Update: US Open of MTB Cancelled]

Jul 15, 2020
by James Smurthwaite  
photo

Rather than spam your newsfeed with a constant stream of coronavirus news, we're going to take a leaf out of our sister site's book and instead create a single page that we'll update as news comes in. Here's everything we've had drop into the inbox so far:

For events after July 14, click here for the second part of this complete timeline of coronavirus' effects on mountain biking.



July 14
- The 2020 Fox US Open of Mountain Biking has officialy been cancelled.

bigquotesThe US OPEN is built on community. Every athlete, youth racer, family member, volunteer, spectator, event partner - contributes to the energy that creates the Fox US OPEN of Mountain Biking experience. We came into 2020 with unreal momentum and were excited and committed to building upon the US OPEN heritage. We've been hesitant to make any official announcement regarding the status of our events, hoping that things would come together for the USO Race Festival this fall. As we've watched so many major events around the world cancel, and after much careful consideration of the health and safety of our community, our global roster of athletes and partners - we're announcing today that we will not be hosting the 2020 US Open Race Festival or Slopestyle competition.

We'll sure miss the party with you all this year - rest assured we've already begun to work on 2021 US Open plans. Alongside the rest of our global MTB community, we will continue to do the best we can to keep the stoke alive and support our community as we navigate these times. While we can't promise anything, we are still looking at options to host regional Next Gen Youth MTB Tour stops for late 2020 - stay tuned. Thank you for all your support, we hope you're able to get out on your bike wherever you are in the world!
Fox US OPEN of Mountain Biking


July 7
- A few months ago, Bentonville Bike Fest 2020 was postponed, it has now been canceled with planning now turning to 2021.

bigquotesBentonville Bike Fest appreciates the continued and growing enthusiasm for the cycling scene in the region and we thank our event sponsors, organizers, vendors and especially all those who share our love of bikes. We were looking forward to seeing so many new people who have embraced cycling during this time, however, we look forward to gathering in large numbers for Bike Fest next year.

The best interests of the festival attendees, riders, vendors, and staff will always be our top priority. We’re putting 2020 behind us and planning for Bike Fest ’21. Please be safe and stay tuned for updates later this year. Keep the pedal to the medal!
Bentonville Bike Fest Founder, Kenny Belaey

July 1
- Back in March, the Sea Otter Classic was one of the first major cycling events to be postponed. The event was pushed from its traditional April to October 1-4. Instead of the usual Sea Otter coverage in April, we pivoted to host a virtual Pond Beaver show on Pinkbike.

Now, the organizers have made the decision to cancel the 2020 event entirely, saying that in discussions with Monterey County health officials, "it has become clear that we cannot host an event that will meet our health and safety standards."

Instead, organizers will host a virtual Sea Otter Play event in September. Sea Otter is a unique event where racing meets tradeshow, so there will be both ride challenges starting at the beginning of September before the tradeshow component will be September 17-20.

Read more here.

- USA Cycling has announced that the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships won't be held in 2020, saying that they do not feel confident that they "can ensure the safety of our participants, volunteers, staff, and host communities."

Read more here.

June 22
The Trans Cascadia was scheduled for September 23-28, 2020.

bigquotesThis has been a difficult year and current events are challenging and serious as we sit here and try to plan a race. We have been existing for months in the painful situation of not knowing what to do.

We consulted our volunteers, staff, local community, medical professionals, Forest Service, and government officials. At the end of the day, these are the questions that we had to ask ourselves about holding the 2020 event.

• Is it socially responsible?
• Are we guaranteed we can have the race?
• Can all of our racers and staff travel to the race currently?
• Can we afford to wait until September to cancel and survive as a company?
• Are we where we need to be in trail work (due to travel restrictions and the cancellation of work parties)?

The answer to all these questions is no. And that is why we made the decision to cancel the race. By avoiding the additional rental fees that come with committing to the event, we can still offer 50% refunds, have small build parties, continue our year-round advocacy for the backcountry trails, and have a race in 2021.

Registered racers for this year will receive 50% of their entry fees back and guaranteed entry for 2021 at a reduced entry rate of $2000 ($300 off).

As the advocacy and trail work that makes Trans-Cascadia a reality is ongoing and year-round, half of the funds that you have invested with us have already been spent on reclaiming the backcountry trails that were intended to be in the race this year (we started the work in October 2019) as well as, on continuing the important work of protecting all the mountain bike access to this and previous TC locations in the backcountry. Trans-Cascadia operates as a registered non-profit, therefore these fees can be claimed as a tax-deductible donation (details below).

We know that we did everything we could to navigate these hard times and that this is just a really shitty situation for everyone involved. Cancelling the event has never been on our radar before 2020 and so it is hard to find the words to communicate the difficulty of this decision. We've lost a lot of sleep over this, and won't be sleep any better having decided to cancel the race.
Trans Cascadia

Update: Trans Cascadia Allows Racers to Defer Entry Following Cancellation Feedback

June 19
bigquotesSince the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cycling Canada and our provincial and territorial cycling associations have been committed to making decisions in the interest of ensuring a safe sporting environment for our members and participants at all levels and in all parts of the country. While there are now varying signs of improvement in the pandemic across the country and some provinces are beginning to carefully roll out Return to Play frameworks, we continue to work with various local organizing committees to determine feasibility of hosting national-level events.

As of today, Cycling Canada is in a position to confirm the cancelation of the below Canadian Championship events, in addition to those national events already listed on our Events Status webpage:


Canadian XCO MTB Championships – Hardwood Ski & Bike, ON
Canadian DH MTB Championships – Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, BC
Canadian XCM MTB Championships – St-Félicien, QC

Cycling Canada has consulted with each of the above local organizing committees extensively to review all relevant information regarding the decision to cancel these events, and supports these difficult decisions to cancel. For all of the above-listed cancelations, we are happy to announce that each of these organizations will plan to return to the National events calendar in 2021, with final dates to be confirmed in the coming months.
Cycling Canada


June 12
- While organizers initially hoped to run the event in September, they have now cancelled the 2020 event entirely.

bigquotesDespite our most optimistic efforts to press forward with our September event, it is with great disappointment that we are forced to cancel our 2020 race. We are grateful to our racers for their patience and understanding as well as to our sponsors and partners for their continued support.

We have communicated directly with our racers to let them know that their 2020 race entry can be deferred to 2021, 2022 and 2023 without additional fees.

We are incredibly disappointed to have race week cancelled for 2020, but we’ll be back next year and look forward to putting on our best event yet!
.
For full details, click here.
BC Bike Race



June 5

- The Megavalanche 2020 has been cancelled. The full press release from the organizers is below:

"Dear riders,

"We had hoped to be able to maintain the 25th anniversary of the Megavalanche de l'Alpe d'Huez this summer, but to date the prospects for international travel, large-scale gatherings and the sanitary measures imposed do not allow us to envisage holding this major event in good conditions.

"The organizing committee, in agreement with Alpe d'Huez, has therefore decided, reluctantly, to cancel the Megavalanche 2020.

"But as they say, the king is dead, long live the king! We are happy to announce you that we’ll organize from July 31st to August 2nd, the "Super Maxiavalanche of Alpe d'Huez", to offer you your dose of alpine sensation in the Marathon Downhill of the year!

"On the programme, two qualifying runs (Friday and Saturday afternoon) and two race runs on Sunday, by level groups ! All the details of this new event, as well as the registrations link will be sent to you as soon as possible! However, registration will be limited to 800 participants, in order to reduce the risks and the queue at the lifts. So stay tuned and register asap if you want to get your spot.

"All registrations for the Megavalanche 2020 will be refunded (less the 6€ cancellation insurance, which we grant to all registered participants).

"We hope to be able to count you among us on August 2nd for this Super Maxiavalanche, and all the more so to celebrate the 25th +1 anniversary of the Mega in 2021 (dates to be confirmed)!

"Until then, stay safe, keep riding and have fun on the trails!"



- The NAHBS 2020 has been cancelled. The full press release from the organizers is below:

"As you’re well aware, we originally rescheduled NAHBS 2020 from March 15-17 to August 21-23, a change we felt optimistic about. During the past months, we've been watching intently how the COVID-19 pandemic is playing out. And we’ve continued to be in close contact with a sampling of exhibitors, sponsors, trade show consultants, show staff, and our contacts at the Convention Center in Dallas.

"While Texas is currently in Phase 3 of its “reopening” plan, COVID-19 cases in Dallas are still on the rise. And unfortunately, the Governor hasn't made any plan to allow large groups and events to take place. With NAHBS scheduled to take place in less than three months - and based on what we currently know and predictions for the summer -- we’re making the difficult decision to cancel NAHBS 2020 and focus our efforts on 2021.

"Based on the many exhibitors and partners we’ve spoken to, no one wants to be in a large crowd, primarily indoors, this summer. We're certain that even if we held the show this August, attendance would be extremely low -- which none of us want. Throw in the current difficulties of international travel and limited domestic travel, and the challenges of putting on a successful show this summer are insurmountable.

"After much consideration and in talking closely with many exhibitors and partners about potential venues and dates for next year’s show, we took note. NAHBS 2021 will be held in the third quarter - we're shooting for some time in September -- and we’re considering other cities for the show. Dallas, TX is still in the running, but we are also considering Chicago, IL; Hartford, CT; and Indianapolis, IN.

"If you've already purchased a ticket for NAHBS 2020, please fill out the Contact form on the website and we'll issue you a refund

"Thank you for your support of NAHBS. We'll be posting news and updates on 2021 soon."

June 3
- The Ard Rock race in the UK has been cancelled. The full press release from the organizers is below:

"We have waited out for as long as we considered fair, in hope that we would be able to host the 2020 edition of Ard Rock in just a couple of months from now. The global, national and local situation means that our plans for this year’s event have been all but extinguished. It should go without saying that the safety of our competitors, visitors and equally that of the local residents in the surrounding area of Ard Rock Festival are the number one priority. We are at the mercy of this situation and thank you all for your understanding and ongoing support.

"Ard Rock 2021 will take place from 6-8th August, and we promise to deliver the best MTB riding and festival to have ever graced British soil. All Ard Rock 2020 entrants have been sent an email with refund and transfer options.

"Please remember, the charities we support are still subject to their normal operating costs this year. In order for us to best support them in these challenging times, we have decided to sell all of the Ard Rock 2019 merchandise and donate the money to Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team. You can purchase and donate at the Ard Rock store here https://ardrock.co.uk/store/

bigquotesI would like to make a very open and personal thank you to all of our competitors, visitors, exhibitors, team and local residents within the Ard Rock community. Your care and support over the past year [post Dales Floods in 2019] has been unquestionably the most humbling and heart-warming experience. As a team, we are motivated and excited to work towards the greatest Ard Rock ever in 2021. Thank you all again, we are excited to see you very soon.Joe Rafferty, Ard Rock

"And a little fun….If the situation improves and we gain approval within our window of opportunity, then we would love to celebrate with the mountain bike community by hosting an *event to bring us back together. It won’t have all of the things that we love about Ard Rock, but we’ll make sure to have a hell of a ride, camping facilities and some local beers to celebrate."

*If you have a 2020 booking for Ard Rock, this will not be used for this smaller community event.

June 3
- Outerbike has made the decision to cancel its next three Outerbike events: Killington, Crested Butte and Duluth.

bigquotesDue to everything learned from the state health departments, cities, and counties, group sizes will still be limited in July and August, ultimately preventing us from holding these three events.
Outerbike will be offering guests credit for any future Outerbike event through 2021, in addition to giving them an additional free ticket to bring a friend, as well as reaching out to exhibitors individually to work out details about these cancellations and about future plans for 2020 and beyond.

As of this time, Outerbike feels strongly that the fall events, and all three September and October events -- South Lake Tahoe, Bentonville and Moab -- are still happening. We hope to see you there and look forward to a time when we're all back together riding bikes.

See the website for all COVID-related news and announcements here
Outerbike

- Despite forming part of the revised World Cup season published a fortnight ago, Val di Sole has now cancelled both the World Cup XC and DH rounds that were due to take place in September. The 4X World Championships that were due to be held on the same weekend have also been cancelled. Read more here.


May 26
- In lieu of the in-person Taipei Cycle Show, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) has decided to launch the exhibition in VR and 2D formats, starting today: https://vancouver.taiwantrade.com/news/detail?id=29591 As TAITRA's representative office in Western Canada, Taiwan Trade Center, Vancouver is also offering digital sourcing services for biking companies, allowing businesspeople to video-conference with Taiwanese suppliers from the comforts of their own office or home.


May 25
- Cycling Canada cancels all events originally scheduled on or before July 31st.

bigquotesSince the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cycling Canada and our provincial and territorial cycling associations have been committed to making decisions in the interest of ensuring a safe sporting environment for our members and participants at all levels and in all parts of the country. While there are now varying signs of improvement in the pandemic across the country and some provinces are beginning to carefully ease COVID-19 restrictions, we feel that it is prudent at this time to extend the list of cancelled or postponed events on the national calendar to include all events originally scheduled on or before July 31st.Cycling Canada

May 14
- All Leadville-based mountain bike and run events will be cancelled amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

bigquotesThe Leadville Race Series is near and dear to us at Life Time, as it is to our athletes and the family and friends that support them, but we have to do what’s ultimately best for the Leadville community and our participants. Given the decision of the Lake County Commissioners, which we fully support, we will be cancelling the series for 2020, for the health and safety of all,” says Kimo Seymour, President, Life Time Athletic Events. “Our team will look forward to bringing the events back in 2021 when we get to the new normal, but for now, we’re sure going to miss our athletes and sponsors. Our sincere hope is that our friends and business partners in the community can survive the financial impact of this difficult decision.”

May 10

- South Wales police will be conducting patrols of Bike Park Wales after riders have been damaging the trails during lockdown. Bike Park Wales said that riders were gathering in groups and removing barriers to ride unopened trails while staff were away from the park.

Bike Park Wales said: "Unfortunately some people just cannot play by the rules... We have seen a large number of riders continue to ride at the bike park during this period of closure. Some genius even removed around 30 barriers as they felt it was OK for them to ride our new green trail?...

"We have tried the light touch and it hasn't worked so South Wales Police Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf have stepped in to help and will be conducting regular patrols of the hill to assist our own security in protecting our trails. Together we will be preventing trespass on the trails by both mountain bikes and motor bikes.

"It's sad it has come to this but we must prevent damage to the trails, blatant disregard for common decency and the risk of an accident on site, not to mention the disregard for social distancing that some groups of riders have shown.

"Sorry to have to make such a negative post but if you can, please help us spread the word that trespassing riders will not receive a warm welcome."

May 8
- The Christchurch Adventure Park (CAP) is preparing for the third opening in its four and a half year history, when the country moves into the next phase of its COVID-19 response. The Park has been closed since the country entered Alert Level 3 on 23 March.

bigquotesUnder the Alert Level 2 guidelines outlined by the Prime Minister yesterday, the Park will be able to open all of its facilities and activities as soon as New Zealand moves out of Alert Level 3, including our riding and walking trails, the zipline experience and our café. We cannot wait to open the gates again, particularly with this being the second time we've been forced to close in three years for reasons outside of our control!

"We have had staff working on the trails during Alert Level 3, so riders are going to love experiencing the improvements to their favourite trails when they return to the Park. In addition, there will be some new features for people to check out at the Park including a new walking trail in the trees that, once completed at the end of this month, will mean we have a full loop trail for walkers in the Park.
CAP General Manager Anne Newman

Once the Park reopens in Alert Level 2, the opening hours over Winter will be 11am – 7pm Wednesdays and Fridays, 11am – 5pm Thursdays and 10am – 4pm at weekends. The Park will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. All necessary safety measures will be taken to ensure that customers can feel safe to make the most of the Park, such as physical distancing in the café, on trails and while using the chairlift, and thorough cleaning of all facilities and equipment including a cleaning down of the chairlift bar after every rotation.

bigquotesCustomers will be able to feel assured that we are doing everything we can to protect their physical health at this time, while they use the natural surrounds and active wellness opportunities here at the Park to look after their mental health. The Park is looking better than ever right now and the trails are in mint condition, so we can't wait to get our customers back in here and see the place buzzing with activity again.CAP General Manager Anne Newman


- The 25th Annual Downieville Classic has been cancelled.

bigquotesWith great sadness the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship announces the cancelation of the 25th Annual Downieville Classic. Although the decision to cancel was agonizing due to the impact on racers, the volunteers, staff and the community, the decision was necessary. After sitting down with the Sierra County Public Health Officer, the Board of Supervisors and Sheriff, for the safety of the community, SBTS agreed there is no way a large gathering can happen in Downieville this year.

Sierra County is among the only counties in California with currently zero reported cases of COVID-19. With about 3,000 residents, the aging population has limited medical resources and is highly vulnerable to a viral outbreak. SBTS and its bike shop Yuba Expeditions invest immeasurable love into Downieville, and we don't want our operations or guests to be responsible for potentially introducing the virus. In addition to canceling the 2020 Downieville Classic, Yuba Expeditions in Downieville will be closed until further notice. At this time, we urge you to please not visit Downieville or other Lost Sierra mountain communities until government officials say it is safe to do so.

Read the full statement from the Downieville organizers here.

- The Outerbike Deer Valley event, which was scheduled for the weekend of June 19-21 has been cancelled since state health department rules regarding group gatherings remain uncertain through June. Outerbike will be offering the attendees who were registered for Deer Valley a credit for a future Outerbike and the opportunity to bring a friend for free to any Outerbike through 2021.

While there's still the possibility they will be cancelled, there are currently six other Outebike events on the calendar this year: Killington, VT (July 24 - 26), Crested Butte, CO (August 14 - 16), Duluth, MN (August 28 - 30), South Lake Tahoe, CA (Sept 18 - 20), Moab, UT (Oct 2 - 4), and Bentonville, AR (Oct 23 - 25).

You can read more info on Outerbike's COVID page here.

May 6
- Specialized lays off 46 employees, 7% of its workforce, mostly from its global support staff. Mike Sinyard said in an interview with Bicycle Retailer that, "The future is quite uncertain and we're doing everything we can to retain out top talent. But we are very optimistic about the future of the company and cycling."

Sinyard also said he is forfeiting 100 percent of his base salary and senior management is taking a 30% reduction in their salaries. "Specialized is now 46 years old and we've grown a lot. Regrettably, some of the people we had, who've done a fine job for us, we don't need; we have to make room for new people. I know that sounds harsh, but that's the way it is," he added. Read more here.

May 5
- Dakine is closing its office in Hood River, laying off 39 staff and relocating to Southern California due to "the financial and operational impacts that the COVID pandemic have had on the business". Dakine said: "We will be transitioning operations and a number of employees to our global headquarters in Southern California. This transition will be phased and as appropriate, we will communicate timing, points of contact, and next steps. We do not anticipate any further disruption to the business or its operations throughout the transition.” More info, here.

- The Mont Sainte Anne World Cup XC and Dh World Cups have been cancelled, leaving just 2 races currently in the calendar for both disciplines. The full story can be found here.

May 4
- As Germany extends a ban on major events until the end of August, Eurobike has pushed back its dates to November and announced a slimmed-down program. The event was initially scheduled to run from 2 to 5 September in its normal format but will now be on 24 to 26 November 2020 as a "pure B2B concept" that will run for three days and drops the public day. Also missing will be the parties and the test and demo area as the show focusses more on maintaining retail contacts and helping drive new impetus.

Stefan Reisinger, Head of Eurobike explains: “Suppliers, brands and retailers are all starting the 2020 bike season facing very difficult conditions and will hopefully benefit from recovery effects over time. One thing is certain, all industry players will have to adapt to the postponed development of the season compared to previous years. The later Eurobike date gives the whole bike industry an opportunity to make plans at the end of the 2020 season for the coming sales and production season. As such, it also offers a unique chance to meet up, to exchange ideas, and to work and network this year.”

Exhibitors will be offered cheaper booth prices due to the truncated program. More info, here.

April 30
- The UCI has announced that the XC World Championships which were due to take place between June 25-28 in Albstadt, Germany has been cancelled.

After initially postponing the XC World Championships on March 28 the UCI has announced today that the event will no longer be taking place in Albstadt this year.

bigquotesIn the context of the current pandemic (Covid-19) linked to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) regrets having to announce that the 2020 UCI Mountain Bike Cross-country World Championships presented by Mercedes Benz due to take place in Albstadt (Germany) from 25 to 28 June, are cancelled.

The UCI and the organisers cooperated throughout the process, initially seeking a postponement of the event, before agreeing to take the difficult decision to cancel the Championships. The UCI shares the disappointment of the cross-country community, and acknowledges the efforts made by the City of Albstadt, the German cycling National Federation (BDR) and the State of Baden-Württemberg in these difficult circumstances.

The UCI and the organisers hope to collaborate on the staging of international mountain bike events in the very near future.

The UCI will continue to work on ensuring that the UCI Mountain Bike Cross-country World Championships presented by Mercedes-Benz are staged in 2020. It will make an announcement on this as soon as possible.
UCI

April 28
- Cane Creek has resumed operations after nearly a month at its North Carolina facility. Cane Creek initially shut down due to COVID restrictions and planned on re-opening on April 10 however it took until now for the state to deem it as an essential business. Cane Creek will be opening for limited operations and following NC and CDC prevention guidelines. The brand is asking customers to expect longer than usual fulfillment times on all orders.

- London Bike Show has cancelled its 2020 date and will now take place in March 2021. The show was scheduled for the end of March and was initially rescheduled for July, however, this has now also been cancelled. The proposed venue, the Excel Centre, has been turned into NHS Nightingale, an emergency hospital with capacity for 5,000 patients. The organisers said, "By delaying until then, we feel that this will give businesses involved in the show (both exhibitors and our contractors) a much better chance to make a full recovery from this difficult period." Any purchased tickets will automatically be transferred.

April 27
- In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Cycling Canada is extending the list of cancelled or postponed events to include everything originally scheduled on or before July 6. Despite originally being scheduled for July 11-12, 2020, the Canadian XCO Mountain Bike Championships will also be postponed.

bigquotesAlso of note with regards to this announcement are the Canadian XCO Mountain Bike Championships. Although this event is scheduled to occur after July 6th, the organizing committee, in close cooperation with Cycling Canada, has decided to postpone the event until further notice. More information regarding anticipated rescheduling of this event will be made public as it becomes available, in line with public health recommendations.Cycling Canada

Cycling Canada's next recommendation concerning events scheduled beyond July 6th will be published on May 25th. For an up-to-date list of cancelled or postponed events on the national calendar, please consult the event list on the Cycling Canada website.

- Epic Rides announced the cancelation of this year's Grand Junction Off-Road + Downtown Music Festival. The event was planned for the weekend of May 14-16, 2020.

April 23
- Peaty's Steel City Downhill has been cancelled. It is set to return in 2021. Peaty posted on Instagram: "So sorry to announce that we have had to cancel the Steel City DH for this year!! 2021 will be epic though. #cheers for the support everyone."

April 22
Daniel Grund Red Bull Content Pool

- The Red Bull District Ride, which was set to return to Nuremberg on September 4 & 5, has been cancelled. The event was expected to attract 40,000 spectators a day so was called off in accordance with the Federal Government’s decision to prohibit major events until 31 August 2020. Red Bull are exploring options to hold the event again in 2021.

April 14
- The UCI has announced the cancellation of the XC and DH World Cups in Vallnord however the venue is set to make a comeback in 2021. This is the first cancelled World Cup for the XC racers with Nove Mesto still seeking an alternate date, however the Albsatdt World Championships have also already been cancelled and racers will have to wait another year for the Olympics, which have been postponed until 2021. Next on the horizon for the XC racers is Lenzerheide, which could still be the season opener on August 15-16.

Yana Belomoina railing berms on her way to third place.

On the downhill side of things, we now have 3 cancelled races with Lousa and Maribor still looking to reschedule, this leaves a maximum of five rounds for the racers in 2020, assuming they all go ahead. There was supposed to be more than 2 months between Vallnord and the proposed sixth round in Mont Sainte Anne so we're keeping everything crossed that will give enough time for the race to still go ahead.

Revised 2020 World Cup Calendars


Downhill
21/22 March: Lousa - Postponed, date tbc
02/03 May: Maribor - Postponed, date tbc
09/10 May: Losinj - Cancelled
06/07 June: Fort William - Cancelled
20/21 June: Vallnord - Cancelled
22/23 August: Mont-Sainte-Anne
12/13 September: Val di Sole
19/20 Septmeber: Les Gets
Cross Country
23/24 May: Nove Mesto - Postponed, date tbc
20/21 June: Vallnord - Cancelled
15/16 August: Lenzerheide
22/23 August: Mont-Sainte-Anne
12/13 September: Val di Sole
19/20 September: Les Gets

- A Cycleplan survey has revealed that 78% of British cyclists would be worried about their mental health if the Goveernment stopped them from cycling during the Coronavirus lockdown. Of the 547 riders surveyed, 66% said that cycling boosts their mood, 47% said it helps them manage anxiety and 51% of respondents stated that it helps them to reduce stress. Despite the lockdown, 86% of cyclists are still riding their bikes with 80% stating they had reduced their reliance on their car for short journeys.

- Garmin has released figures that indicate its user have increased their indoor cycling by 63% over the same period from last year. This is normally the time of year when indoor cycling drops off however it has increased dramatically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

photo


April 9
- The UCI has announced it is furloughing 130 staff and its leaders are taking pay cuts to confront the financial consequences of the world health crisis. The UCI is reporting that 650 events, or 30% of the international calendar, have been cancelled, with road and mountain biking events being the most affected.

These cancellations are weighing heavily on the federation's finances and the press release notes that, "the rounds of the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup are notably important in terms of revenue for our organisation." To combat the financial difficulties, the UCI is introducing a number of cost-saving measures that will allow it to, "get through this crisis with limited damage, as long as the situation does not last longer than current predictions".

As well as furloughing staff and pay cuts, other measures taken by the UCI include:

- Freezing of recruitment for an undefined period.
- Total revision of projects and objectives that had been fixed for 2020 and following years, and those in progress.
- Resizing of solidarity projects for National Federations.
- Generalisation of virtual meetings for the Management Committee, UCI Commissions and seminars.
- Examination (in progress) of contracts of service providers at events, consultants and general providers.

bigquotesOur International Federation is going through a crisis that we haven’t experienced since the Second World War. Inactivity is hitting athletes, teams, organisers, partners and the large majority of people and organisations that contribute to the vitality of our sport, across all its disciplines. The UCI, cycling’s governing body, has not been spared, far from it. The postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the multiplication of postponements and cancellations of events on the UCI International Calendar, and the uncertainty that weighs on the second part of the season are having a large impact on our sport in general and our Federation in particular. It is time for the cycling family to rally and, as one, prepare our sport to recover from this health and economic crisis that it has been hit by. Each of us is called on to be united, responsible and strong. That is why the UCI has taken some drastic action that should enable it to weather the storm. These choices are difficult but necessary if we wish to rebuild cycling post-Covid-19.David Lappartient, UCI president

Read more here.

- Sea Otter Canada has cancelled its inaugural event and has replaced it with a miniature Sea Otter Festival on September 18 and 19 at Blue Mountain Resort. It will feature the Scarecrow Gravel ride, family-friendly Sea Otter Hub & Spoke, kids races, and a mini-expo area sponsored by Continental and Subaru that will be right in the village.

The main event is already booked in again for July 2-4, 2021. Sea Otter Canada co-organizer Simon Williams said, "We know people are disappointed about losing so many events in the 2020 racing and riding season. So we wanted to make sure that there was still something on the calendar that everyone could look forward to—and what’s better than a fall festival atmosphere and perfect fall foliage for a gravel event?”

April 8
- Parks Canada recently closed all their parks and now BC Parks announced today that they have closed all provincial parks in response to the call for increased action to address COVID-19.

Federal and provincial directives have asked people to stay close to home to reduce COVID-19 transmission risk, but since some continue to ignore the order, they say was a necessary measure.


bigquotesBecause physical distancing works, it is critical that we take every action needed to restrict the spread of COVID-19. This applies to British Columbians and out-of-province visitors who were planning to visit or stay at our provincial parks. The message is clear: stay home, avoid travel, do not put yourself or others at risk.

“I understand and share the love people in British Columbia have for the outdoors and the connection between health and proximity to nature. We tried to provide safe space for people to get some exercise and fresh air in our beautiful parks. But it has proven too challenging to maintain safe distance between visitors. This action is difficult but necessary. We look forward to the day we can welcome people back to our wonderful parks.
George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Read more here.


- Eurobike has cancelled its Media Days event and floated a date at the end of March in case of a Coronavirus induced cancellation. The show is still scheduled to go ahead on 2-5 September but the contingency date has been put in place in case the situation in Europe does not improve by then. A decision will be made by mid May.


April 3
- Minnesota-based bicycle distributor Quality Bicycle Parts (QBP) has laid off 12% of its workforce, about 80 employees, Bicycle Retailer reported today.

"This was a painful decision. These were valued co-workers, and they are our friends and partners. We made this decision to ensure that QBP remains stable now and through what might come over the coming year," said Rich Tauer, QBP's president, in an email to dealers Friday morning.

"Our North American distribution centers are fully operational with the same service our retailers have always relied upon. I've been humbled to hear and see retailers and suppliers, saying that they depend on Q to get the products and services they need to the marketplace. It's an honor and responsibility that everyone at Q truly takes to heart."

Brain reported that distributor HLC has also made temporary worker hour reductions and "a few" furloughs.


April 1
- Crankworx Innsbruck, originally scheduled for June 10-14, has been postponed to September 30-October 4, 2020 in light of the unfolding coronavirus pandemic around the globe.


bigquotesWe have been monitoring the situation closely with our colleagues in Austria. We’ve decided the most prudent course of action will be to make alternate arrangements for Crankworx Innsbruck. There are so many people who contribute to the success of our festivals, including athletes, media, sponsors, and fans. Their health is our #1 priority. We considered all these stakeholders when choosing the new dates, mindful of the fact that the fall event calendar is filling up as many other events are forced to postpone alongside us. Looking at the calendar in Innsbruck, this was our best option based on venue availability and accommodation. We want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during these challenging times. For now, we’re focusing on the future – we can’t wait to put on a great show in Innsbruck come September.Crankworx General Manager Darren Kinnaird


Read more here.

March 30
- CST Post NL Bafang Rider Mariske Strauss has confirmed she tested positive for COVID-19 following her third-place finish at the Andalucia Bike Race. Mariske entered self-isolation as soon as she returned from Spain and got tested shortly after. She had some mild flu-like symptoms and her test was confirmed soon after.

bigquotesThe president of South Africa asked all South African people that went outside of the country as of February 15, to test for Covid-19. Since I travelled to Andalucia Bike Race, which took place 25 to 29 February, obviously I was asked to test as well. After a couple of days after the testing, I felt a little flu-ish and ill. And yes, actually I tested positive for the Coronavirus. With the grace of God I have had really mild symptoms, so very fortunate and blessed with that. I have kept social distancing, adhered to all the guidelines that was given to us anyway, regardless and thanks to that my parents and brother tested negative for the virus, so that is good. I have taken a lot of rest, healthy food and surrounded myself with positive things. Messages from my family, friends and yes, my team with our virtual dinner last week helped me so much to get over this. I am feeling fine now.Mariske Strauss

bigquotesWe are happy that Mariske only had mild symptoms and she is feeling good now. The health of our riders and staff is our Team’s priority number one. The situation worldwide at this moment is unusual and uncertain. Also for our Team, our riders and staff. We do what we can to protect others and ourselves from Covid-19 and to keep our riders and staff motivated and healthy. We try to stimulate our followers to take care for their health, mentally and physically. To stimulate and motivate them to keep a healthy lifestyle, within the guidelines given by the government. Let’s hope this worldwide crisis will be under control soon. As Mariske said: Together we can stop this!"Bart Brentjens

We wish Mariske all the best in her continued recovery from her infection.

- Bicycle Retailer is reporting that Cane Creek has suspended operations in compliance with Henderson County shelter in place mandates. The company will halt until 10 April however its Taiwan operations will continue as normal. Online orders will be fulfilled once the facility reopens and customers should expect a longer than normal response time for emails.

- Sea Otter Europe will now take place at the end of September after organisers decided to postpone the event that was due to take place on the 29-31 May. The new date will see the event being held on the 25-27 of September just a few weeks before the Sea Otter Classic.

bigquotesThe Sea Otter Europe organisers would like to thank Girona Provincial Council, the Costa Brava-Girona Tourist Board, Girona City Council and the Catalan Government for their willingness and backing in rescheduling the event for September,

We would also like to highlight the support and understanding that has come from the festival’s sponsors and the nearly 250 brands from all over the world that had already confirmed their presence at the fourth edition of Sea Otter Europe.
Sea Otter Europe



March 28

- The UCI has announced that the XC World Championships which was due to take place between the 25-28 June has been postponed.

bigquotesIn the current context of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) regrets to announce the necessity to postpone the 2020 UCI Mountain Bike Cross-Country World Championships presented by Mercedes-Benz initially scheduled in Albstadt, Germany, from 25 to 28 June.

The UCI fully supports the decision taken by the City of Albstadt, the German cycling National Federation (BDR) and the State of Baden-Württemberg. In view of the current sanitary situation across Europe and the world, holding the annual flagship of the discipline would have potentially posed a risk to the health of the riders, all those involved in the event and the fans.

The UCI will work with the organisers to fix a new date. In accordance with the decisions announced on March 20 concerning disciplines other than road, in connection with the coronavirus, the UCI stresses that the UCI World Championships have priority within the framework of the revision of the UCI International Calendar with a view to the resumption of the 2020 season.

The UCI shares the disappointment of the Cross-Country (XC) community following the postponement of the Championships and wishes to thank the City of Albstadt for its cooperation in these difficult circumstances, as well as the athletes, teams, partners and anyone concerned by the event for their understanding.
UCI

Current list of all cancelled or postponed World Cup events:

photo



March 27
- Hope has announced it will be temporarily shutting down its production facility to keep its staff and wider community safe during the COVID-19 epidemic.

bigquotesWe are living in strange times which are affecting every part of our lives and requires changes for us all.

At Hope, we have now taken the difficult decision to temporarily suspend our production in an effort to keep our staff and wider community safe during the COVID-19 epidemic. The whole manufacturing and despatch departments are closed from Friday 27th March, initially for three weeks.

Our customer service staff are all continuing to work remotely and can be contacted via the usual phone numbers and email addresses. We want to thank you for your understanding and look forward to riding with you all when we're back up and running.
Hope



March 26
- BC Bike Race won't take place in July. The organizers have postponed it until September.

bigquotesAt this time, we have made the difficult, but obvious choice to postpone the 2020 BC Bike Race until September 2020.

BCBR is a dynamic event to execute. Hosting racers from 33 countries and moving nearly 1000 people over 8 days through 8 communities using community recreation centers and schools in each town, with 4 ferry crossings, nearly 140 land manager agreements and a crew of nearly 275. In other words, we have many things to consider to make this date change.
The outpouring of support from our racer community has been amazing and inspiring. We are always humbled and honoured to host you here in BC and we take great pride on putting on this event; connecting with like minded, positive people from around the world with a shared passion for mountain biking.

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay kind.
BC Bike Race

- Swatch Rocket Air will no longer take place in 2020 and will now be reorganized for 2021. Switzerland has a ban in place for gatherings of more than 100 people and the Flying Metal Crew are not confident this will be lifted by May 1/2, when the event is due to take place.

A statement reads: "The organizing Flying Metal Crew has decided to stop all preparations and postpone the event to 2021. The date is already set: April 30th to May 1st, 2021, should the event take place. “Even so, we will carry a deficit”, says OC president Jérôme Hunziker, “but one that we can likely manage with the help of our partners”.

The sponsors and partners were informed in advance and showed a lot of understanding. Not only do they want to help fill the financial gap, but many have already secured their commitment for 2021. Hunziker is optimistic: “We are very happy about the support, and this is motivation all the greater to hold the event next year and to infect the 10,000 spectators with the passion of bike virus.”

In the meantime, here is the final of 2019, 2 hours of finest slopestyle action, enjoy:


- Accell Group has scaled down its bicycle production by 70% due to the impacts of the Coronavirus. The first half of the year is the most important for Accell but it has now missed out on that due to sweeping lockdowns in Europe. The Group, that includes brands such as Lapierre, Ghost and Haibike, has announced its parts and accessories production will not be affected. The brand has also cancelled a €0.30 dividend proposal and drawn €50 million on its term loan, increasing it to €125 million. A statement read: "Given the exceptional circumstances, we are in close and constructive contact with our syndicate banks to keep them informed of the impact of the pandemic on our business and financial position. We also intend to make full use of the various government relief measures in all relevant countries." More information can be found, here.



March 24
- The UCI announced more elite mtb racing changes as Fort William has been cancelled and Nove Mesto has been postponed. More, here.

- Japan and the IOC have confirmed a postponement of the 2020 Olympics. A new date is likely to be found before the end of July next year.



March 23
- In a phone interview with USA Today, the International Olympic Committee's Dick Pound said that the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games will not be starting on July 24, 2020. They are going to be postponed, likely to 2021. The IOC says they will be working out the details in the next four weeks and announcing the next steps soon. More info here.

- Canada has withdrawn from the 2020 summer Olympics and is hoping for a new date in 2021. Australia and New Zealand have also indicated that they will follow suit. More info, here.

- 2 British ebike events, the UK Ebike Summit and the London e-Bike Festival, have both been postponed. The Ebike summit has a new date of September 8 but the e-Bike Festival is yet to announce a new date. More info can be found via Cycling Industry News, here.



March 21

- The iXS Downhill Cup have announced that the first round of the European DH Cup in Maribor has been postponed with a new date still to be decided. A statement reads:

"Based upon the current situation it is confirmed that the first iXS EDC will not take place in April. The local organizer of Maribor is trying to postpone the entire event and the following World Cup to a later date in 2020."

"Unfortunately it‘s not easy, because many criteria have to be considered for a potential rescheduling and therefore we can not make any statements about a new date or a potential cancellation of the race. More information concerning the race calendar you can find at the website."

Find out more about the state of the European DH Cup and the other iXS race series' over on their website.



March 20

- The UCI announces elite racing cancellations up until mid-May. Read more, here.

- France has been the latest country to ban recreational cycling as part of its lockdown, following the example of Spain and Italy. The Ministry of Sport made the clarification today after a government decree yesterday said that exercise should be undertaken within 2km of the home and could only be for 30 minutes a day. The Ministry tweeted: "There is no question of getting away from your home. The rule is containment for everyone. Remember, you should only go out for emergencies like shopping or for your health. A little jogging is possible for your wellbeing, but not a 10km!" The French Cycling Federation later added: "The practice of sports cycling, which is commonly accepted, does not fall under the conditions provided for in the decree and therefore constitutes an offense. Any practice of cycling sport, even individual, must, therefore, be temporarily prohibited."



March 19
- After originally being postponed until May 14-16, the Taipei Cycle Show has now been totally canceled for 2020. A statement reads:

bigquotesTo comply with the government’s policy and to put people’s health as top priority, TAITRA, the show’s organizer, has made the difficult decision to cancel the May edition. To meet the industries’ needs, Taipei Cycle and TaiSPO will still offer online trade meetings & an online exhibition in May. Further details will be announced shortly.

Walter Yeh, the President and CEO of TAITRA said: “We respectfully apologize for the inconvenience incurred surrounding the cancellation of the 2020 TAIPEI CYCLE show. We have decided to put people's concerns, health and well being ahead of the prosperity of the show and will return once we can guarantee the safe and inclusive environment we have always provided to the global cycling industry”.
TAITRA

- Hutchinson has announced it will be closing its factory in Chalette-sur-Loing and postponing the launches of new tires this morning to help slow the spread of the outbreak. Hutchinson said:

bigquotesThe health and safety of everyone is a top priority for Hutchinson, which is why we have taken extensive measures across the entire Hutchinson sites. The factory in Chalette-sur-Loing was closed this morning and the commercial activity will be stopped from next Monday, March 23rd, 2020. The industrial and commercial activities will, therefore, be paused until April, 6th 2020 with possible extension depending on Government announcements. No deliveries can be made until this date.

Only a few employees in the support functions will continue to carry out their missions working remote from home: the division director, the industrial director, the marketing manager, the communications manager.

In the current context, we have also taken the decision to postpone the launches of our new XC/trail and gravel tyres.

We also recommend that each cyclist take responsibility for slowing the spread of the virus by avoiding outdoor cycling, and more generally any risky activity, so as not to overburden hospital staff in the event of an accident.

Not encouraging people to ride bikes, to have fun and share their passion is against our habits, but it is thanks to our union that we can overcome this epidemic.
Hutchinson

- The Riva Del Garda Bike Festival has been postponed until July 24-26

bigquotesDue to the fast changing situation with COVID-19, we unfortunately have to reschedule the FSA BIKE Festival in RIVA. Our top priority is the health and well-being of all the visitors, riders, staff, volunteers and partners. But we have good news - a new date has been found: get your red pen out and mark the 24th - 27th of July in your calendar and get ready to rejoin the crowd!

We are in permanent contact with the responsible authorities, and it is clear that the only way to contain the spread of the virus is by implementing given guidelines. Social distancing is currently the only responsible course of action. No final decision has been made concerning the other BIKE Festivals in 2020 - we will get back to you as soon as plans have been finalized.

Thank you for your understanding. Stay healthy and see you on the flip side!



March 18
- Ibis is based in Santa Cruz County and had this to say about how the Shelter in Place order is affecting their business.
bigquotesFirst, we are taking the COVID-19 Pandemic very seriously. In January, our CEO Hans Heim presciently began talking to us about the potential for the virus, and even wondered if it might affect Sea Otter.

In February, we instituted what some considered extreme cleaning protocols around our shop. Employees were told to stay home if they had any cold or flu symptoms, and that they’d be paid for their time off.

As we monitored the spread of the virus we cancelled all non-essential staff travel.

Yesterday (Monday, March 16th) we got the news that Santa Cruz County would be put under a ‘shelter-in-place’ Order. That means that you are supposed to hunker down at home and only venture out for essential services like groceries or doctor appointments. That also means that we needed to shut down operations at Ibis. The Order is effective immediately and will be in force until at least April 7th. We are fully supportive of this initiative and will abide by it. We think it’s the right move in the interest of not only our employees safey but of the public at large. Plus, if you get caught ignoring the Order, it's considered a "menace to public health" a misdemeanor. No one wants to be a menace!

We had taken precautionary measures in the weeks leading up to yesterday’s Order, and got our office staff setup on remote desktops so that they could keep working. We’re still able to take phone calls, write Orders and work with our factories. We are continuing all of our product development initiatives. This should help to minimize disruption, though it will still be considerable.

The production workers who build, assemble, QC, pack and ship our bikes and products cannot come to work while the Order is in effect. Ibis has modified our paid time off policies to ensure that all employees including hourly workers receive full pay and benefits for the duration of the Order.
Scot Nicol, Ibis Founder

-The Whiskey Off-Road Race has been cancelled as the City of Prescott, AZ has mandated the cancelation of all events in Prescott through May 10th, 2020. The organisers are now looking for an alternative date in early fall and all riders will automatically have their entries forwarded to that date. More details can be found, here.



March 17
- New Shelter in Place order hits Santa Cruz County meaning bike industry in the area such as Ibis, Santa Cruz, Fox, Ritchey, WTB, Marin, White Industries, Phil Wood, and Paragon Machine Works are in the closure zone as well as dozens of bike shops. Fox Suspension & Specialized Bicycles had this to say:

bigquotesAs a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all experiencing impacts to our daily lives – some much more so than others. As the situation continues to evolve, we trust that respective government agencies are taking appropriate measures to curb the spread of the virus, and we are willingly and supportively in full compliance with these actions.

Fox Factory’s Scotts Valley office is located in an area affected by temporary “shelter in place” restrictions, our team members based in this location (myself included) are currently working safely from home until all restrictions are lifted. At this time, none of the restrictions are affecting our distribution centers, all of which are still fully operational. We will continue operations in all of our distribution centers as long as the situation remains stable and as long as none of our valued team members in these locations are determined to be at any risk. Should any additional restrictions come into place or should the situation change for any other reason, we will provide you with an update.

Our deepest condolences to those who have been directly affected by COVID-19. Please stay safe out there.
Sean Estes, Brand Manager at Fox Factory

bigquotesAs the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, we’re taking additional measures to protect our employees, retailers, and riders. The health and safety of the global community is our top priority, and therefore, we have made the decision to take swift action to reduce the impact of the virus. ⁠⠀

We ask all Specialized Riders to help stop the spread of this virus by respecting any riding and travel restrictions in your region, avoid riding in groups, and to think seriously about the impact a crash could have on strained medical resources in your area.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Riders can continue to access Specialized bikes and equipment through our retail partners where possible, as well as at specialized.com. To help support our retail partners that choose to stay open, we are providing guidance for best practices in reducing the spread of the virus and we’re also unlocking funds to cover the cost of additional health- and safety-related materials.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
While we support one another through this trying time, we remain more confident than ever in the power of the bike to heal, inspire, and serve the local transportation needs of riders across the globe.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Together, we’ll pedal the planet forward.⁠
Mike Sinyard, Founder & CEO at Specialized Bicycles

- British Cycling has announced it is suspending all events until April 30 at the earliest. The Fort William World Cup is scheduled for June 6/7 so it isn't yet affected but it could be if the outbreak continues to worsen in the UK. It has, however, led to cancellation of Round 1 of the British National Downhill Series, an alternate date is being sought.

British Cycling chief executive Julie Harrington said: “This was not a decision taken lightly and it is one we have taken in close cooperation with our colleagues at Scottish Cycling and Welsh Cycling. We fully understand and appreciate the financial, social and community impact that this suspension could have, and we are working now to ensure that cycling is in the best possible health once the suspension can be lifted. As I’m sure everyone can appreciate, these are truly unprecedented circumstances, and while we will be doing all we can to retain a sense of normality and continuity, it may take some time to return to full capacity as an organisation and as a sport once this situation has been resolved. We will continue to update our members with more information, and will be doing everything within our power to support those who have contributed to the rich cycling culture that this country boasts.” More information can be found here.

- Japan is still planning for a full Olympics to go ahead despite the Coronavirus outbreak. On Saturday, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, "We will overcome the spread of the infection and host the Olympics without problem, as planned". This was echoed today by the Olympics Minister, Seiko Hashimoto, who said, "A complete Olympics is what we are aiming for. We will do our utmost to prepare [to hold the Olympics] as scheduled so that the International Olympic Committee will be convinced we are capable of hosting the game."

The decision will ultimately be left to the IOC though, who are meeting today to discuss the future of the games.

- In response to the global CV-19 outbreak, TweedLove organisers Hillside Outside have announced a huge rescheduling of their 2020 events calendar. Many of the Peebles-based organisers’ biggest events, including this weekend’s MTB enduro race Vallelujah, which is also Round One of the British National Enduro Series, will now be held later this year. Other events affected include the TweedLove Bike Festival weekend, Bosch E-MTB Challenge, Glentress Seven endurance race, Gritopia off-road adventure, Skinny Tweed road sportive, TweedLove Family Day and more.

Riders who can’t attend on the new dates are being offered a 100% refund on all the events but as a TweedLove spokesperson says, “Obviously we’d rather people didn’t cancel – everyone knows bike events are a marginal business activity at the best of times but for now it’s going to be a grim fight for survival. The events industry is being hit very hard and it looks extremely unlikely that insurance will cover any loss of income from this.” More info here.



March 16
- Despite the many memes circulating that the best self-isolation is a good bike ride in the woods, reports are emerging of cyclists being stopped by the police in Italy and Spain and being threatened with fines or even jail time. Both countries are the worst affected in Europe and currently on a 2-week lockdown period with only journeys for food or medical supplies allowed. Reports from road cycling websites indicate fines can be anywhere from 600-1000 Euros, while Spanish newspaper, El Pais (English link), suggests a more conservative €100 fine could be issued but with up to a year in jail for ignored requests.


- The entirety of the Canadian Enduro Series has been cancelled with the exception of the Sea Otter Canada Enduro at Blue Mountain Ontario. The organizers have said that some of the events may be reinstated if the situation normalizes but for now all registered riders are being refunded for every event. More info can be found here.

- Scotland is starting to see local races affected after its government banned mass gatherings for four months. The opening round of the Scottish Downhill Association is cancelled and Tweedlove Vallelujah/British Enduro Series Round 1 has been postponed until August 15/16.

More info on the SDA can be found here and the Vallelujah here.



March 15

- The UCI has today announced a series of updated measures to combat the serious threat of COVID-19. The updated list of guidelines from the cycling governing body includes; event cancellation requests, suspension of classifications and the closure of Olympics qualification. Find out more here.



March 14

- USA Cycling has announced that it is recommending the cancellation of all sanctioned events citing "the latest data on COVID-19’s spread and the healthcare system’s ability to manage this crisis". Currently, they are suspending all permits until 5 April although they are continuing to monitor the situation.

bigquotesDue to the latest data on COVID-19’s spread and the healthcare system’s ability to manage this crisis, USA Cycling is recommending cancellation of all sanctioned events immediately and calling on all race and event directors, clubs, coaches, athletes, and members to postpone or cancel all scheduled races and events immediately. This includes any gatherings such as group rides, in-person group meetings, etc.

We are suspending permits on all events through April 5th.

USA Cycling will continue to monitor and meet with partners to assess the state of this national emergency and its impact on the cycling community.

We are taking measures within our control and asking everyone involved in this sport to protect our community so we can get back to riding and racing with everyone in good health as soon as possible.
USA Cycling

- It has been announced today that the iXS Dirt Masters festival has been moved to September after recent developments in the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the travel restrictions that have been put in place by some countries. The organisers will be providing exact details in the coming weeks but read the latest statements below:

bigquotesThe first months of the year is dominated by the spread of the new coronavirus 2019 from its point of origin in Wuhan, China, to more and more cities and countries around the globe. Concern for public health has prompted the Ministry of Health of North Rhine-Westphalia to rethink, postpone or even cancel large meetings of all kinds, from professional sporting events and concerts to schools and university courses. We experience how the global health crisis is rewriting the calendar of events for 2020.

Coronavirus and major events - the whole thing is a clear matter in other countries: Italy, France and Switzerland have cancelled everything in principle. In Germany, however, the issue remains an enormous challenge for local authorities. This is precisely why we have been in intensive and constant contact with all partners over the past weeks and days. The current developments regarding Corona (SARS-CoV-2) and the related preventive measures and travel restrictions unfortunately force us to postpone the iXS Dirt Masters Festival 2020 in Winterberg to September this year.

Why? The athletes and visitors include many people who come from abroad, many of them also from the much more affected regions from all over the world. Some of these people cannot and are currently not allowed to travel from their countries of origin. As the organiser of the largest Gravity Mountain Bike Festival, we also have a duty of care towards the visitors, athletes and exhibitors, and of course towards our own staff and everyone affected by the festival.

The current situation around the corona virus and the decree of the Ministry of Health of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, not only the Dirt Masters, to postpone this one time the most popular Gravity Mountain Bike Festival in Europe to a later date.

The Bikepark Winterberg and we very much regret this postponement. We are more than aware that this requires a lot of understanding from the athletes and spectators. This decision was not easy, but the risk is not acceptable for all parties involved at the moment.
iXS Dirt Masters



March 13

- The Port Angeles National NW Cup is the next event to be postponed because of COVID-19 after it was announced that they are postponing the race that was due to take place in April.

bigquotesWe are super bummed to say this, but we are out of options. The April 10-12 race is going to be postponed for obvious reasons, not the least of which is that the DNR has (wisely) decided to cancel all events thru April. We will have more details in the coming days/weeks.

We are currently out of town supporting another race series, but will be back next week (if they let us back in?) to start sorting out all the details.

Thank you for your continued support.
NW Cup


- After the first round of the Downhill World Cup was postponed earlier this week the organisers for the Fort William round have released a statement saying that currently there are no plans to postpone or cancel the event on 6 - 7 June. Read the full statement below:

photo


- The 2020 Cape Epic has been cancelled. Event organizers issued the following statement: "Out of concern for the health and safety of our riders and other stakeholders, following recent advice received from the Western Cape Government, we have no choice but to cancel the 2020 Absa Cape Epic due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Mediclinic, the event’s medical partner since inception and which provides services to many Western Cape events, supports the decision. The decision also has the full support of most of our sponsors, including our headline sponsor, Absa.

The event was due to start on Sunday March 15 on Table Mountain and end on March 22 in Paarl after travelling to Ceres, Tulbagh and Wellington.

Race founder Kevin Vermaak said: ‘I have taken this step with a heavy heart, but the health and safety of everybody involved in the event has to be paramount. ‘At 6pm today we received the formal advice from government.’ Kevin appealed for patience from all stakeholders, who will be contacted directly regarding the way forward."



March 12

- The London Bike Show is postponed until 3-5July. Organisers said: "We have been following UK government guidelines and working with the rolling advice from the public health authorities and other organisations, but it is now with reluctance that we have taken the decision to postpone the event at this time. The safety and wellbeing of our staff, exhibitors, visitors, partners and contractors is of the utmost importance to us, and therefore feel the protection and prevention of harm to the public has been paramount to this decision."

- Garmin Titan Desert postponed until 2- 7 November.



March 11

Shawn Neer came into the week on a high after a top 10 in Chile but would struggle to back that result up in the Colombian mud.

- After the Colombian President, Ivan Duque, announced on Twitter that visitors from Italy, France and other affected countries would have to go into self-isolation upon arriving in the country, rounds 1 and 2 of the EWS were also postponed. Round 1 in Colombia will now take place on 7-8 November, while round 2 in Chile will now take place on 14-15 November. Round 3, due to take place at France's Montagnes du Caroux on May 23, is still scheduled to go ahead.



March 10

- The first big casualty of the race season is the Lousa World Cup. After a letter was published by the Portuguese Ministry of Health, establishing that outdoor events with over 5,000 in attendance would have to be canceled by early April. A new date is yet to be set for the rescheduling of the event but it will apparently be decided in a series of meetings next week (w/c16 March).

- MMR Factory Race Team announced they were pulling out of the Cape Epic. Team manager, Angel Gomez, said: "It wasn’t an easy decision to take, but we are sure that we have made the correct one. Cycling is a super mobile sport where our riders and staff are exposed to the risk in a long travel like this, and teams are putting the riders and staff at risk of transmission and quarantine." The Cape Epic is still scheduled to go ahead and begins on Sunday 15 March.

- Marlene Südtirol Sunshine Race postponed, new date tbc.



March 9

- Bentonville Bike Fest postponed until August 7-9. Kenny Belaey, event organizer, said: "We appreciate the continued support from our partners, sponsors and the community. Although the dates have changed, we are still on track and moving forward with our scheduled plans. It also allows us to maintain our partnership with the Bentonville Film Festival.”



March 7

Torquato Testa finished strong with an 86.75

- Toquato Testa misses the Crankworx Rotorua slopestyle competition after being asked to self-isolate.



March 6

- Britain's Bespoked Show is pushed back from May 3-5 to 15-18 October.



March 5
Fabian Cousinie who miraculously eliminated Loris Vergier in round 2 fought his way into the bronze medal spot.

- There's another big blow as the second big show of the spring gets postponed. Sea Otter cancelled its April date, on March 5 and than announced the new date of October 1-4 a few days later.

- The Mountain Bike Eliminator World Cup #1 gets postponed. The inaugural Dubai event is still to set a new date.



March 4

- The UCI announces Coronavirus guidelines, saying it will "not proceed with the cancellation of any events at this stage". It added, "Any possible decision to cancel will be taken by the health authorities in the concerned regions depending on the evolution of the local situation and different risk factors identified. The organisers and all members of the cycling family will be obliged to comply to any such decision."



March 3

- The first North American event is affected as the NAHBS Show postponed until August.

- The Mountain Mayhem race was forced to cancel as, "it is no longer possible to get any cancellation insurance from any company."



March 2


- The Andorra Race Cup was suspended due to Prime Ministerial decree. The Province of Savona had been designated a "Yellow Zone", which led to the suspension of all sporting events and shows in the indicated areas until Sunday March 8th, 2020. The event is yet to be rescheduled.



February 11
Taipei Cycle Show 2019

- The first major casualty of the Coronavirus, the Taipei Cycle Show, is postponed until May.



February 3

- The Taipei Cycle Show announces it will not allow Chinese visitors or exhibitors into the show but it is hoping to go ahead with planned.

Author Info:
jamessmurthwaite avatar

Member since Nov 14, 2018
1,770 articles

295 Comments
  • 285 53
 At least it’s not an e-bike article
  • 30 88
flag Intensevp (Mar 12, 2020 at 12:40) (Below Threshold)
 Yawn
  • 35 18
 You can cancel those if you want on your profile page
  • 16 36
flag readingracing (Mar 12, 2020 at 14:24) (Below Threshold)
 I was bummed it wasn't!
  • 23 3
 eBikes have a minicomputer which can get a virus. I vote for eQuarantine.
  • 5 2
 That sucks , feel bad for Cali but it going off out there. I'm hunkered down at my mountain house with the fam. Does quarantine include working/riding your trails on private land?
  • 3 6
 Yankees. Eh.
  • 5 3
 Looks like a session.
  • 5 19
flag jorgeposada (Mar 19, 2020 at 3:32) (Below Threshold)
 @goroncy. Ya we on the winning team, coming to rescue you soon.
  • 2 0
 I wish it was, this is bad and only getting worse by the day. I am afraid that these updates will only become more frequent and I think it is going to be difficult for some companies, especially smaller ones to weather the storm.
  • 1 0
 Lets not forget its hard getting things..DVO out of seal kits for the topaz for example:$
  • 1 0
 @PJD1: and bti is closed. Lots of bike stores can't get parts for a lot of stuff right now
  • 2 0
 @alexisfire: hopefully my stock of parts and supplies lasts
  • 1 0
 Dig much?
  • 158 8
 If you ride on 26" wheels, you are immune to the coronavirus.
  • 59 0
 Toquato Testa had to self-isolate at Crankworx Rotorua slopestyle because they heard his style is sick! Think they took that the wrong way.
  • 5 4
 I confirm. No big wheels, no shame, no flu Smile
  • 4 1
 @vjunior21: Comment of the day Big Grin
  • 8 1
 29 upvotes made me laugh even more
  • 14 9
 Quite the contrary: you're likely old and more susceptible if you're still defending 26ers.
  • 6 2
 @Klainmeister: you didn`t wait for the coronavirus to get your brain attacked.
  • 1 0
 @Klainmeister: 28, still love riding my 26ers at times. Nimble and whippy!
  • 1 2
 Big wheel riders are over compensating for you know what.
  • 137 3
 I wrapped my bike in toilet paper.
  • 81 1
 How'd you get toilet paper?!?!
  • 9 0
 @ridesmoothbro:

DownHooligan must have connections
  • 16 0
 stand out front of a Costco with a for sale sign, you'll make out like a bandit! 29r boost X01 2-Ply, 425 sheets, 30 rolls
  • 6 18
flag DownHooligan (Mar 12, 2020 at 10:12) (Below Threshold)
 @ridesmoothbro: I did the smart thing and stocked up before the craze.
  • 7 0
 @DownHooligan: I’m down to 3 sheets per poop , I’ll be alright !
  • 14 0
 I installed a bidet on my bike
  • 17 1
 @DownHooligan: you are part of the craze
  • 1 8
flag DownHooligan (Mar 21, 2020 at 6:33) (Below Threshold)
 @g0shj0sh10: no I'm just prepared unlike everyone who waited till the last minute.
  • 1 0
 @SquattiePippen: I've got bikes I need sold... Maybe I need to include some TP???
  • 2 1
 @DownHooligan: by stocking up you were part of the craze/problem, the stock were low because people like you stocking up. I never stocked up and I never ran out, because it never was a problem.
  • 1 0
 @ybsurf: I stocked up FIVE YEARS ago that's what prepping is, preparing before the sh** hits the fan. And maybe if Governments and civilians prepared like preppers did than the craziness would've been far less. The only people that are part of the problem are people that were not prepared and added to the craziness by stocking up at the LAST second.
  • 1 0
 @DownHooligan: proper poopoo paper prepping stop a sticky finger !
  • 1 0
 @DownHooligan: yeah sure you knew five years ago that was going to happen...
  • 1 0
 @ybsurf: Well guess what? It did happen!
  • 75 6
 I am very aware there are some who are very worried about this Pandemic, and some who believe this is all hype and conspiracy. Governments around the globe are taking unprecedented social & economic decisions. Now these descions are either for the good of us all, or the single biggest conspiracy in history. You decide for yourselves, but be aware your decision could have impacts on other that could be catastrophic and all the time you could have played your part in preventing it.
Well it's okay to have a different opinion but please read the following statement.

"I'm a doctor in a major hospital in Western Europe. Watching you Americans (and you, Brits) in these still-early days of the coronavirus pandemic is like watching a familiar horror movie, where the protagonists, yet again, split into pairs or decide to take a tour of a dark basement.

The real-life versions of this behavior are pretending this is just a flu; keeping schools open; following through with your holiday travel plans, and going into the office daily. This is what we did in Italy. We were so complacent that even when people with coronavirus symptoms started turning up, we wrote each off as a nasty case of the flu. We kept the economy going, pointed fingers at China and urged tourists to keep traveling. And the majority of us told ourselves and each other: this isn't so bad. We're young, we're fit, we'll be fine even if we catch it.
Fast-forward two months, and we are drowning. Statistically speaking—judging by the curve in China—we are not even at the peak yet, but our fatality rate is at over 6 percent, double the known global average.

Put aside statistics. Here is how it looks in practice. Most of my childhood friends are now doctors working in north Italy. In Milan, in Bergamo, in Padua, they are having to choose between intubating a 40-year-old with two kids, a 40-year old who is fit and healthy with no co-morbidities, and a 60-year-old with high blood pressure, because they don't have enough beds. In the hallway, meanwhile, there are another 15 people waiting who are already hardly breathing and need oxygen.

The army is trying to bring some of them to other regions with helicopters but it's not enough: the flow is just too much, too many people are getting sick at the same time.

We are still awaiting the peak of the epidemic in Europe: probably early April for Italy, mid-April for Germany and Switzerland, somewhere around that time for the UK. In the U.S., the infection has only just begun.

But until we're past the peak, the only solution is to impose social restrictions.

And if your government is hesitating, these restrictions are up to you. Stay put. Do not travel. Cancel that family reunion, the promotion party and the big night out. This really sucks, but these are special times. Don't take risks. Do not go to places where you are more than 20 people in the same room. It's not safe and it's not worth it.
But why the urgency, if most people survive?

Here's why: Fatality is the wrong yardstick. Catching the virus can mess up your life in many, many more ways than just straight-up killing you. "We are all young"—okay. "Even if we get the bug, we will survive"—fantastic. How about needing four months of physical therapy before you even feel human again. Or getting scar tissue in your lungs and having your activity level restricted for the rest of your life. Not to mention having every chance of catching another bug in hospital, while you're being treated or waiting to get checked with an immune system distracted even by the false alarm of an ordinary flu. No travel for leisure or business is worth this risk.

Now, odds are, you might catch coronavirus and might not even get symptoms. Great. Good for you. Very bad for everyone else, from your own grandparents to the random older person who got on the subway train a stop or two after you got off. You're fine, you're barely even sneezing or coughing, but you're walking around and you kill a couple of old ladies without even knowing it. Is that fair? You tell me.

My personal as well as professional view: we all have a duty to stay put, except for very special reasons, like, you go to work because you work in healthcare, or you have to save a life and bring someone to hospital, or go out to shop for food so you can survive. But when we get to this stage of a pandemic, it's really important not to spread the bug. The only thing that helps is social restriction. Ideally, the government should issue that instruction and provide a financial fallback—compensate business owners, ease the financial load on everyone as much as possible and reduce the incentive of risking your life or the lives of others just to make ends meet. But if your government or company is slow on the uptake, don't be that person. Take responsibility. For all but essential movement, restrict yourself.

This is epidemiology 101. It really sucks. It is extreme—but luckily, we don't have pandemics of this violence every year. So sit it out. Stay put. Don't travel. It is absolutely not worth it.

It's the civic and moral duty of every person, everywhere, to take part in the global effort to reduce this threat to humanity. To postpone any movement or travel that are not vitally essential, and to spread the disease as little as possible. Have your fun in June, July and August when this—hopefully—is over. Stay safe. Good luck."

The author is a senior doctor in a major European hospital. She asked to remain anonymous because she has not been authorized to speak to the press.

www.newsweek.com/young-unafraid-coronavirus-pandemic-good-you-now-stop-killing-people-opinion-1491797
  • 3 1
 At the moment in Italy the industries aren't closed so the spread will continue ...
  • 2 1
 @Cookiefr: my niece is employed by one of the teams currently in Melbourne. Thankfully she will be returning home soon after the cancellation there, although she doesn't know yet if quarantine will happen on arrival home. I can say though everyone within the Paddock was extremely worried about staying in that environment.
The text I posted above came via my niece who in turn was alerted to the document via a member of 'the Red Team'. Maybe you can find the original in Italian and check the translation has been done correctly.
  • 22 31
flag WAKIdesigns (Mar 13, 2020 at 13:04) (Below Threshold)
 @Dropthedebt: we do not know what is the right way to act. We will know more in 2022 when it will be over and we will see who fkd up most and who was lucky to make the best bet. Your whole post focuses on health of the person. We can suffocate in various ways, like economically. You will see real panic when food will stop coming to shops. Stay home for 4 weeks? Really? Truck drivers too? Shop sellers? People working for banks? Security workers? Programmers working for banks? - close schools? Who will take care of kids of healthcare workers? How deep do we need to go into this analysis until you realize the interconnectivity of everything?

Sorry your post is the opposite of folks who say we don’t need to give a damn. It’s way too hippie.

On the other hand, you can take a rather nihilistic view on it. Why do we try so hard to save weak people? Why do we risk a gigantic recession to save people who will die in few years anyways?

On anothee hand we can take a Holistic view on it: it’s a good opportunity to see that we don’t meed this fast economic growth, there’s more to life than this. Maybe this will teach hs that we can live with less, it may be a pivotal point for stress management for poeple and how we treat environment

All I mean is: it is complex! God damn complex! “Stay home” is the new “it’s just a flu” ok?

The only thing we need to make sure is that we stop whining on big pharma and consipracy theories, and get our sht toghether to develop vaccines to diseases we know ill pop up! Everyone in epidemiology knew it is coming since there are millions of people in China (as well as other parts of Asia) who eat untested animals of all sorts, population density is above normal and hygiene standards are below normal. Same is true for Africa. Long story short - we don’t know. We can keep the minimum of precautions and control the fear! Take it as a test of your character! At this point in our part of the world - Italians as a whole failed this test. We learn who we are when the pressure comes. I don’t know what I am... I lost job once due to recession and mate... I failed back then. I know one weak bit of mine. So I learned something about myself. But I am not sure I will not repeat my mistake.
  • 12 2
 @WAKIdesigns: As I always say, it's up to you to take your own decisions based on the knowledge you find for yourself, or by checking the veracity of information offered by someone else. If by passing on the testimony of a Doctor working at the Italian epicentre even one person changes their behaviour, or further investigate the potential of this Pandemic, good or bad, then I believe that's for the best. I did do further research before posting earlier, and I am aware of the field hospitals being set up in the most hit Italian regions as the health system is struggling to cope with the demand. Or, we can all just say it's just the flu, carry on as normal and see what happens.
Personally I would rather prepare for the worst and eat humble pie if it's a bust and just the flu.
I am fully aware of the interconnectivity of the modern world and the potential impacts, I spent 20 years in logistics for a major vehicle manufacturer who basically wrote the book on our modern Just In Time systems. Thankfully it also provided great insight in to the potential impacts of that system failing due to a small link in the chain breaking.
I know very few of the Pinkbike users personally and it really doesn't effect me if they "do or don't" regarding the current situation we all face.
As always, make your own informed decisions.
  • 6 23
flag WAKIdesigns (Mar 13, 2020 at 15:54) (Below Threshold)
 @Dropthedebt: Impact on the health of majority of population is as unknown as impact these suspensions of economic activity and quarantines may have on economy which also has indirect impact on our well being. So you are looking at it from better safe than sorry health perspective, which I greatly submit to, but we cannot forget better safe than sorry when it comes to economy. At this moment it starts to look like slight decrease in activity but I hope we won’t serve ourselves an a unnecessary chemo therapy.

The whole humanity is having a cold right now and when you have a cold, even if it’s 3 days long it still means you don’t feel too well. Will it be like a flu? Will it be like pneumonia? Cancer?

Italian doctor in field is one of the people looking at it. A very tempting reference, a hero from the site. It’s a bit too tempting to turn off critical thinking and trust everything such person says. But my scepticism may be playing tricks on me. I am personally trusting Swedish government and WHO on that because they are one having the biggest insight, especially from China.

My problem with all of it is... it’s like a panel on the idol. You have 4 people telling everyone what’s good and what’s bad. None of them can be completely right when judging the act. But one is a producer, another one is a singer, one more singer and a celebrity idiot... I am the celebrity idiot, most of us are. But... it doesn’t mean the singer must be right.

As with having a cold we want to find some cure to speed it up... we take vitamin C, ibuprofen, maybe some whacky stuff... like tea with ginger. But most of it is just trying to feel we are doing something.
  • 5 6
 Doctor, you know, those of us who work in the US-based health system will take notice of pick "one PT over another PT" based on their (RVU as it would be). This is called "rationing", I do not know a single MD that would treat PT based on RVU in anything buy a war zone triage. While in a pandemic it is inevitable, I have not heard of any case (worldwide) where an otherwise healthy 40-year-old PT had such issues to need intubation. While the number of Pulmonologists I work with directly can be counted on one hand, the majority of the warnings are towards people who are already under some flavor of challenges to their health.

We, in general, assume that a 40-year-old who is not a 3 pack a day smoker, not suffering from other conditions are not really needing to be all that worried. The premise is that they will not bring it home to Grandma. What strikes me is how on earth cases of other things (TB?) that have even more strict Governmental guidelines and notifications never hit the news (in the US).
  • 13 7
 @RoadStain: as a part time psychopath, positive nihilist, someone who has seen few painful passing aways of family members which seem to have brought more pain on those who took care of them in last days, I am deeply troubled morally about this. No, not because I am afraid I won’t get my toys, rather because I know how it is to lose a job, even though it was a slight hick up. It won’t be for many people. So to the point, we are risking a lot so that grandma comes home... or that dad who always chain smoked or drunk way too much stays with us to irritate us. Obese people like stupid btch Tess who claim lean people will die first when world goes down... It’s f*cking painful that all this wakes up so many disgusting demons in people. I’d like to say it wakes up angels too, but I am not so sure about the balance here. If I have much empathy it is for those who need acute medical care and may possibly die because we are trying to save the grandma. All in face of reports that those who we care about most: our kids, have the lowest chance of developing any more serious symptoms. All because some folks needed to eat bats or cats or squirrels and barely wash the hand they used to wipe their arse and nobody felt thw need to contain it...
  • 5 1
 @WAKIdesigns: @RoadStain: Genuinely meant and with no sarcasm... Best wishes in the coming weeks and months. tup
  • 3 12
flag RoadStain (Mar 13, 2020 at 16:48) (Below Threshold)
 @Dropthedebt: Was out riding tonight with two MD's (briefly). Both specialists in their respective fields....both saying that the entire media deboggle is simply a media-hyped overreaction to the hyper news reporters. If it bleeds it leads, and that is ALL the media do any longer.

I worked most of the AM with a group of PCP's who (after closing the facilities so staff could take care of the kids home from school that was canceled). Now there is a lady on the news complaining that some kids get free breakfast and lunch at school due to a Govt program wondering if there would be home delivery of meals.

Another had her daughters' softball game canceled after spending all day in high school with the same kids she would have had the game with. What are another two hours?
  • 8 0
 @RoadStain: I'm not questioning or doubting anything you have heard or know. As I always say, it's up to us all to make our own decisions based on the information we have or can learn. Everyone should inform themselves of the potential and not take anything at face value, be it from you, me, the media or anywhere else. Collate as many sources as you can, use Socratic questioning and decide for yourselves.
  • 3 17
flag CaliCol (Mar 14, 2020 at 13:08) (Below Threshold)
 I just got 2 round trip tickets to Austin, TX from Los Angeles for $134 which includes insurance. I’m loving this pandemic. I’m obviously on TJ e blown-out-of-proportion-conspiracy side of things.
  • 4 0
 @CaliCol: Congratulations... I hope they are open ended because your internal air travel will soon be shut down. (genuinely no sarcasm intended) Beer
  • 2 1
 @Dropthedebt: I have no doubt there is no sarcasm in your comment but it’s a win-win. If they cancel the flight they will honor it at a later date, but, I will more than likely be inTX from the 26th-31st.
  • 2 1
 @CaliCol: I hope so dude. I think we'll be on complete lock down here in the UK in the next 10-14 days.
Be safe tup
  • 2 0
 @Dropthedebt: likewise.
  • 3 0
 @RoadStain: How are these comments aging now? Not so well.
  • 1 2
 @Glendmcc: sum up of comment boards all over internet... www.instagram.com/p/B-Zsy25HaYt/?igshid=dpctzkxlnnjv
  • 1 1
 NYC is bad with it. Have multiple friends that are thug status riders/builders who had the virus months before it became a media frenzy. They describe it as pneumonia plus flu or worse. It is real and spreads quick, specially within your house. Hoping it gets under control but I have been in the mountains doing work til??????
  • 3 1
 "This is epidemiology 101. It really sucks. It is extreme—but luckily, we don't have pandemics of this violence every year. So sit it out. Stay put. Don't travel. It is absolutely not worth it."

These opinions won't age well as the antibody testing comes out to reveal that a significant portion of the population has it with not symptoms....
  • 1 2
 @JohanG: History will tell...
  • 2 2
 @JohanG: Yep, here’s a great briefing done by head virologists in CA about what we know now. This is an over reaction, and not an effective way to deal with a virus. If you disagree, you’re simply a science denier.

player.vimeo.com/video/412189024
  • 3 2
 @Off-my-lawn-hippie: not saying this is any wrong but... if only virologists were agreeing on these things as much as climatologists agree on Global Warming.
  • 5 3
 @WAKIdesigns: I think we all agree the Earth used to be covered in Glaciers and we had no bearing on their melting. I know we can agree that Google, Facebook, and MSM have a goal on what information they have decided is valuable and not.

I am not certain of the exact order of delusion...but, College Professors, Liberal Media typical Democrats (in the US) are fighting for the title of "most baseless opines of theory" and presenting it as fact.
  • 2 4
 @RoadStain: This is what you have to still grow out of, because this is exactly what Some people here are doing to you here. They are framing you into a far right winger, instantly devaluating any good point you cluld have made. Stop framing people into liberals or lefties or whatever. Look into the details as well... Just because glaciers disappeared and big population of species died off due to climate change over the course of 100k years (or looking on let’s say 65mln year scale climate change -> die off) doesn’t mean that humans aren’t noticeably speeding up the warming of the climate, die off of species or not pumping X tons of toxic substances that are coming baxk to our bodies theough ground water and all sorts of food we eat. I don’t give a flying sht about Polar Bears, I don’t believe scientists can exactly predict where it leads, but they do can make estimates. O don’t give a flying sht what you think about climate change, you will not change my position on this subject. I am however getting some of your ideas into my head, some ideas of others here, processing them, without being offended like some sissies here. Even if you were an actual, aggressive racist which I doubt, there are some good food for thought and everyone should be able to munch through it. There is value in discussion of this sort, even though it’s not mice. That is the difference between majority of media and actual concersation. Dumb followers of some frame of thinking and people who are actually thinking

You are still in the church of silly media. Leave the church. It doesn’t matter which main News you listen to. It just doesn’t. It doesn’t even matter which of them distorts reality more. They all do to some point. It’s a shit show for idiots. I repeat: idiots, and at this moment there’s quite little alternative but we have to think of alternative. We have to imagine it. In Joe Rogan and his friends like JP Eric W, I trust. 2-4h of listening of elablrated comment on several issues instead of this disgusting pulp called News.
  • 4 13
flag RoadStain (Apr 29, 2020 at 9:54) (Below Threshold)
 @WAKIdesigns: As a business owner, and working in Healthcare - right-wing is the ONLY way to go. Simply we do not surround ourselves with liberals.
  • 6 1
 @RoadStain: and this is your response? You are a right wing sheep exactly like the liberal/lefty sheep you disagree with.

Two opposing herds of sheep eat the same grass.
  • 4 3
 @RoadStain: sorry the moment you say you are right wing or left wing you lose big part of credibility outside of cattle circles. It means you aspire to generalize certain actions and submit to certain ideas regardless of how good/bad they are and see the other side as wrong even though you inevitably must agree with lots of their points. In usch climate there is no way for effective way to make beneficial policies and we all end up with crap and everyone is not satisfied and nothing happens, only what people behind close doors decide with minimal regard to your wellbeing. That is people who are not subject to voters. So you have situations like bankers who don't pay taxes and their spokesmen dumb politicians are telling you it's for your own good. Or folks earning tons of money on environmental policies which suit their own interests rather than improve situation with environment (Diesel?) So you portrait yourself of as much of a free thinker as people you criticize.
  • 2 4
 @WAKIdesigns: literally just had a conversation with med office staff claiming 1st ammendment at work...she was fired for Facebook content....LOL. This is not a free speech zone ;-)
  • 1 2
 @in2falling: Wait, is that ENT an ENT or a ID/Pulm Doc? For instance, I have a doctorate in Recreational Gynocology, but, am more than happy to give advice on Derm.
  • 2 1
 @RoadStain:
Research it buddy!
Most of all the information in those vids are from these two researchers that spent their entire careers researching it. 30+ years.

Dr. Michael Holick, Ph.D., M.D
Dr. Reinhold Vieth
  • 64 9
 The democrats did this to sabotage all the great work Trump has done! (am i doing it right? lol)
  • 11 9
 LOL- nice one!! Troll level XP +100!
  • 13 1
 Sounds like a fact...an alternative fact.
  • 14 5
 I believe the next announcement is that they are building a wall on the east cost of the U.S. to keep the planes for Europe out. Going to be a pretty tall wall. LOL
  • 18 40
flag JohanG (Mar 12, 2020 at 19:08) (Below Threshold)
 I make fun of Trump too because the tv told me to.
  • 31 10
 @JohanG: i wouldn't worry, he does a good enough job of being a joke by himself
  • 11 2
 @JohanG: You should totally be watching Fox News man, he's doing a fabulous job responding to this, it's all Obama and the Democrats fault! Wink
  • 15 1
 Democrats: the roof is on fire
Trump: we don't need no water let the mother f'er burn
  • 3 13
flag JohanG (Mar 13, 2020 at 13:18) (Below Threshold)
 @chacou: I only watch CNN, the best news source.
  • 3 5
 @JohanG: You can do better, MSNBC
  • 9 0
 @chacou: It is MSDNC now... Get your right wing talking points in line!
  • 7 21
flag bikeetc (Mar 15, 2020 at 14:04) (Below Threshold)
 @JohanG: looks like a lot of butt hurt pansy ass libs, bring on the down votes pussies????
  • 4 2
 @bikeetc: Not sure how to respond to these comments....the pretty lady on CNN hasn't told me what to do yet!
  • 3 3
 @vjunior21: Can we build a wall to keep everyone in NY out of FL? The only group of people who I detest enmass is simply Snowbirds and idiots from NY.
  • 51 1
 I live across the street from a forest. 2 weeks of self isolation means 2 weeks of non-stop pedaling!
  • 2 1
 Exactly my thought!!! Let`s see the good aspects, waiting for a global french quarantaine! I don`t think that squirrels and deers can be contagious.
  • 5 2
 That’s what I was thinking too, however just in case I crash, or something I gotta ride with someone else. Also, all the shops near me are closed, and if I got injured so are the hospitals. I tend to crash a lot, so yeah, not gonna do that, but I want to really really badly!
  • 1 10
flag JacobyDH (Mar 12, 2020 at 13:55) (Below Threshold)
 @softsteel: apparently dogs can be carriers.
  • 4 6
 @JacobyDH: Ban dogs........
  • 2 2
 @RoadStain: yeah, but what about trail dogs. How about a doggie mask, or something like that.
  • 4 0
 @JacobyDH: mine is licking my feet as I write....not sure, she may have eaten ferile cat shit at the park just a bit ago.
  • 8 1
 @RoadStain: mine used to be alive. I always am riding, and hear a faint jingle of keys from my pocket. I look to my side, expecting her, but she’s gone. =(
  • 8 0
 @softsteel: hope the hospital don't get saturated like in Italy . No bike here, the medical staff have other problems to care about sport injuries .
  • 6 0
 @softsteel: f*ckin ticks are everywhere right now though... Out of the frying pan into the fire Frown
  • 52 0
 @RoadStain: The World Health Organization determined that dogs can’t contract COVID 19. Dogs that were held in quarantine we’re released. To be clear, WHO let the dogs out.
  • 2 1
 @jonus216: yeah, best comment I’ve seen in a while!
  • 2 1
 @jonus216: oh god, nostalgic flashbacks
  • 30 1
 Apparently the UCI are planning to ban Snot Rockets. Riders will be required to pause at the side of the trail and use a tissue. Good to know they are right on top of this pandemic!
  • 6 4
 UCI is the worst.
  • 17 2
 @vjunior21: Snot Rockets are the best
  • 7 2
 @InsaNeil024: You can't help, but snot rocket a few times during rides.
  • 12 1
 You can pry my snot rocket from my warm slimy hands!
  • 1 0
 Sadly Scotland has just banned all large public gatherings so the Fort William WC will probably also be postponed.
  • 19 0
 I know lots of people are disappointed at cancellation of events etc. but apart from potential transmission being a factor, Insurance Companies will not cover these events for organisers seeking "cancellation policies", already insurers are stopping providing new personal travel insurance policies.
Another factor is keeping essential services like medical and policing at a footing where any potential response needed can be protected.
Just be aware of the wider implications that are being covered off. If this turns out to be a huge bust, all good and we move on. If not, you'll be happy these steps are being taken now. tup
  • 17 0
 I know this Corona shit is getting serious so I'm stocking up on bottom brackets, chains, cassettes and new tires.
  • 12 0
 I'm pretty livid about the financials of the Trans-Cascadia cancellation.

The cancellation is totally understandable and probably the right thing to do. Keeping 50% of the $2,300 registration fee is inexcusable.

Yes, I understand that Trans-Cascadia operates as a nonprofit and uses funds from the race to do lots of great trail work. But I doubt that most of the race's registrants were planning to make a $1,150 donation to trail work this summer.

Compare that policy to the BCBR that's letting 2020 racers apply 100% of their registration fees to the 2021, 2022 or 2023 race.

I've been dreaming of riding the Trans-Cascadia for years and was hyped about the 2020 race. It's going to be awfully hard to pony up another $2,300 for a future edition, after feeling like they stole a grand from my bank account this year.

Trans-Cascadia is a one-of-a-kind event, and an organization that does tons of good. But this feels like a short-sighted decision, and a kick-in-the-nuts for those of us who signed up, and ponied up to race this year.

Hopefully pushback from racers and sponsors (I can't imagine @shimano Santa Cruz, @schwalbe or other sponsors are excited to be associated with the decision) will allow the series to continue on without such a painful hit to 2020 rider's bank accounts.
  • 7 0
 100% in the same space - this is brutal....

I did TC (2) years ago and had a great time, more fun than BCBR I did last year frankly. First thing I did was look at the BCBR policy and saw they were deferring, which IMO, is 100% the right thing to do for the TC crew.
  • 4 0
 @RadBartTaylor: Yeah. I actually did the BCBR last year too, as my first stage race. It's a really well-run and organized event (as evidenced by the way they're handling COVID entry deferrals), but I was looking for something more downhill-focused, and the TC seemed perfect.

I hope they can find a better way to handle the cancellation/refund/deferrals, because I can't imagine I'd be willing to give them another race entry fee in the future if this is the way they handle this year's.
  • 5 0
 Yeah, I am not in the same place as you that bought entry but this seems absurd. I understand that they have already spent lots of it on trail work and other actions in that non-profit space. However, there should at least be some approach to allow you to put most or all of that fee towards next year and then they just recognize that they may not have as many funds for trail work as previous years. That would at least help share the financial burden whereas right now they are essentially pinning it all on the racers so that it doesn't impact their future years. Its a bad look when BCBR and others are allowing full transfer of funds....especially when this is one of if not the most expensive race in the WORLD.
  • 4 0
 @ianswilson815: More expensive per day of racing than the BCBR.

BCBR costs $343/day of racing, and Trans-Cascadia is $575.

From previous racers it sounds like it's worth it. But, you know, only if you actually get to ride.
  • 3 0
 Ticket holder here also. Whats worse is when I asked to transfer my ticket over 6 weeks ago, they just said hold on, then never replied to my emails since then. Now they drop this. Super shady if you ask me and speaks to the fact they knew this was coming. Honestly, Im ready to pull in an attorney with others at this point out of principle. Lets see how Patagonia and Shimano feel about this kind of behaviour. I sure as hell know Patagonia will want to know. They should have had insurance for this kind of thing in the first place and not expect the riders to cover the loss.
  • 4 0
 @noplacelikeloam: I reached out to and got a nice response from Schwalbe already. I haven't heard back from any of the other sponsors I contacted.

I don't know that the sponsors will be able to fix the problem, but I figure hearing from corporate sponsors will do more than my grousing on Pinkbike.
  • 3 0
 @atourgates: Let me know how I can help. DM me if you like. I would suggest getting a few ticket holders together and adding pressure. Even if we dont get money back, hopefully it wont ever happen again, or someone else can run this thing.
  • 5 0
 Logic would suggest that the 50% went to trail restoration for this year’s new location which, if instead of racing on those trails this year, we race on them next year, the work to restore those trails for racing next year will be minuscule by comparison. So, less work needed over this coming fall/winter/spring and next year we race on the trails we already paid to restore for this year’s race. Thus our funds for this year’s race can be forwarded to next year’s race (like other similar races are apparently doing), without asking us to incur additional financial burden. We shouldn’t have to pay another $1150 to restore a whole different trail network. Let’s race on the trails we already paid to restore. Yes, that means that Transcascadia enterprise will be doing less for trails in the coming year, but I’m reasonably confident that I’m not alone in the feeling that I enter this race to actually ride the fresh, blind trails, and not just to support trail building for trails I don’t get to ride.
I truly hope the TC group can find a way to make this right, because the strategy they laid out is not acceptable. I wish they had asked registrants in advance, and been more transparent before reaching such a decision.
  • 2 0
 If someone wants to start a class action let me know. This is bullshit and we can fight back.
  • 3 0
 @atourgates: I'm also a ticket holder. I'd love to hear any updates you (or @noplacelikeloam or anyone else) have from sponsors or the race itself, or if you organize with others to pressure TC. I love the event and want to be supportive, but 50% of my race fee is deeply unfair. Even without Covid, any number of things could cancel this event - significant wildfires, loss of sponsorship, etc. Expecting racers to bear the brunt of their operating costs without some kind of insurance coverage for cancellation is a harsh and unprofessional slap in the face.
  • 3 0
 @noplacelikeloam: I'm in as well. This is weak sauce spineless crap.
  • 3 0
 @Magnus18: Let me know as well. I am wrangling with my thoughts about this, at a time when so many people are struggling with just getting bills paid this is yet another blow. I'm certain many of us would have been ok with just a "were applying your fees to a future event, or you can have a 2k refund and we will apply the remaining 300 to a future entry". But the only option being a 50% refund and guaranteed entry spot for 21 is completely unacceptable.
  • 1 0
 @scstrail: I created a forum thread to discuss the race cancellation, along with some suggestions as to what we can do as riders to work towards a better solution: www.pinkbike.com/forum/listcomments/?threadid=221798

If you're one of those riders, please come and share whatever you're doing so that we can coordinate, and let any other 2020 Trans-Cascadia riders know about the thread.
  • 1 0
 @scstrail: Just an update for anyone coming to this thread: the organizers sent out an email saying that they'd changed their minds, and would now be allowing 2020 registrants to defer their registration to 2021.

That's an outcome that satisfies me, but I am concerned that this was an option, but not an option they made available before (assumedly) getting a ton of backlash.
  • 12 0
 I live in Michigan and the governor just order shut down of all public schools. Ill have 3 kids at home, not sure which will kill me first. The kids or the virus....to be continued
  • 16 1
 this is gunna be a long article....
  • 4 1
 Tokyo Olympics won't happen
  • 9 0
 50% refund on a 2k race entry stings, not going to lie. I'm all for donating my entry for smaller races, and understand the sunk costs that go into running such a huge operation like the Trans Cascadia, but losing a grand on top of the rest of the fiscal pressures of 2020 is a blow.
  • 3 1
 You are getting a discount on next years entry, but I agree, its a shitty way to run an event. I don't think it will be the end of it either. If enough people get together, a lawyer will quickly sort this out and we all get paid.
  • 6 0
 Agree completely. Can't imagine that I'm going to feel good about registering for a 2021+ edition if this is the best they can do for 2020 racers.
  • 3 0
 @noplacelikeloam: I expect most credit cards would push through a chargeback for the entry fee for a race that's been cancelled. But I'm hopeful that they can come up with a better solution before going that route.
  • 3 0
 @atourgates: Couldn't agree more.
  • 4 0
 @atourgates: Agree, but the cost of legal fees and the cost of their reputation will far exceed a few credit cards charges.
  • 3 0
 @noplacelikeloam: alumni get a discount on next year’s race every year. We would have gotten that discount even if the race did happen.
  • 3 0
 Particularly when we only registered mid-Feb and Washington state was in a lockdown by end of March. We were registered for 5 weeks before it was inevitable it would be cancelled. Plus that was all 6-months before the race!
  • 3 0
 @bikereid: Exactly, we entrusted our fees to them to create a trail long before shutdown was a conversation, they went ahead and committed to costs knowing a cancellation is likely without getting appropriate insurance. Awful event management.
  • 4 0
 @noplacelikeloam: Not sure if it makes it better or worse - but the cancellation letter makes it sounds like many of those costs were "sunk" into trail work before they opened up registration.

BUT, that trail work should largely applicable to the 2021 race. It's not like they have to come up with a whole new trail-network for 2021 since no-one will be riding the trails they've already prepped for 2020. So either they're lying about why/how they spent our registration fees, or being dishonest about something else.
  • 2 0
 @atourgates: I just read that too. And 100% agree. It doesnt add up.
  • 2 0
 @noplacelikeloam: Hey - just replying here to let everyone know that I created a forum-thread to discuss the cancellation, along with some ideas as to what we can do as riders: www.pinkbike.com/forum/listcomments/?threadid=221798

If you're working towards a better solution, please come and post there so we can work together.
  • 13 1
 Well, nothing to do now but stay home and masturbate. Could be worse.
  • 4 0
 i'm running out of tissue quicker than the stores!
  • 9 3
 At this current pace:

March 14 : the apocalypse begin

March 21: the end of the world as we know it

April 16 : human race completely wiped out

May 1: mother nature gives herself a pat in the back, full reset accomplished and the environment can now return to normal.
  • 7 0
 the rider in the picture who's supposedly Torquato Testa is actually Diego Caverzasi!
  • 6 2
 @roadstain. Your post is incoherent.... fyi.
I doubt NBA owners are 'terrified' by 'the media', but i do know that everyone of them will earn more money just by sleeping tonight, then you will the entire rest of your life lol. So I'll take their judgement over a redneck Florida 'mountain biker' lol
  • 3 17
flag RoadStain (Mar 13, 2020 at 3:50) (Below Threshold)
 Um, Chicago Mountain Biker......you know, the City where (forign born) Obama Care was born :-)
  • 1 2
 @Dropthedebt: Is there a mooning smile face? Dagnabit.
  • 6 2
 Has anyone stopped to think that maybe Corona virus has been spreading around longer than it was first discovered and maybe you have already had it? Everyone at my work was extremely sick with upper respiratory issues in December. I was one of them. Doctor said he couldn't identify what it was so told me to get rest drink lots of fluids and take nyquil. Standard advice for a common cold. Or maybe it was just a cold I dunno.
  • 5 4
 yes, it's been around since maybe November. cover up job by the Chinese communist party, and huge thanks to the brave whilst blowers there to inform the rest if the world-by way of apps etc using emoji; lord of the rings language; and more to bypass the commi parties censorship filters.
wake up world, the chinese need our help to fight against the chinese communist regime! they need to pay$$$ for all the tests, equipment et al to each country
  • 3 0
 ``Round 3, due to take place at France's Montagnes du Caroux on May 23, is still scheduled to go ahead.``

In our dreams, unfortunately. The situation here in France becomes more and more drastic and this event will very probably be postponed, unless the epidemy positively ends in the next 2 months, which is a unicorn scenario.
  • 4 1
 I work from home...no matter how bad the illness or quarantine is I still have to work. I suppose this is a good thing as I'll still have income as long as the company has money. My wife is a teacher and now has 3 weeks off....minimum. Went to the store last night and there's tons of food, but no TP. That's very odd to me.
  • 3 5
 Yeah, a person whose case I am working on for my employment asked me if the corona virus makes people shit because he can’t understand why everyone is buying toilet paper haha. I, personally can’t understand the water purchases. Is the corona virus going to have the water shut off? Do the experts expect it to spread through the water supply? Hahah, makes me laugh. Better yet why buy cleaning supplies? If there is a mandated government quarantine or if one chooses to set quarantine then you’re going to be in your own house. What’s the point of cleaning it everyday with wazoo cleaning products? Silliness. The canned food thing makes me laugh even more. Is the corona virus going to take down the power grid? I would much rather stockpile meat and good food in my freezer and eat normal meals while stuck in my house for a month or so. If the apocalypse is here having canned food or any other food isn’t gonna matter haha. Owning an AR-15 and having an over abundant supply of 5.56 would make more sense. The only thing that makes sense to me as far as large purchases is hand sanitizer because those not working from home have an obvious practical use for it. I am generally disliked in pinkbike threads so I will not be surprised and the Nancy boy responses.
  • 3 0
 @Explodo It's a French conspiracy to establish global dominance of the Bidet.
  • 3 0
 If there is one positive to come out of this I can see this being a huge boon for the bike industry. There might not be anymore organized racing for awhile, but damn were people riding their bikes around here today. I never seen anything like it. It's a great way to get out, without getting too close to people, and get around. Especially when we don't want to get on public transport. I even took my 2 year old out on his big wheels and then rode some street for the 1st time, later in the day, with my 6yr. It got a little sketch but Mr. Hunter inspired us. I have a feeling we will be riding a lot of bikes in the near future...
  • 1 0
 It certainly is easier to road ride. Light traffic.
  • 3 0
 Man that refund policy for Trans Cascadia is rough. It's a $2300 race, and even if you get a discount for next year, you're out $850 total if my math is right. I would be livid but maybe if I could afford a race that expensive I'd be willing to eat the money without an issue.
  • 5 0
 I just use hand sanitizer to clean my bike now, muc off has gone in the bin
  • 6 4
 We should start to consider to NOT BUY ANYTHING MADE IN CHINA. We stil would have the chance to buy from Taiwan. Sure it would be great to start again to buy better and fewer items from all great manufacturers in Uk, USA, Italy, Germany..etc etc..How many frames and wheels we need to enjoy mtb? We can spend a bit more and better quality.
China economy in destroying world economy ,the environment and makes money struggling millions of beings in a non democratic inadequate system of work and life..
  • 2 0
 I have covid 19 and I am 36 and have all the fitness of any avid cyclist. I met with my accountant for 2 hours on March 26th. Had no direct contact. My accountant is now on a ventilator and I am on had 7 of weakness and fever with no signs of improvement. Don’t mess around with the social distancing protocols guys, the hashtag #socialdistancing rides are over for me at this stage.
  • 4 0
 It's only events that are cancelled, you can still ride your bike as much as you like.
  • 8 1
 Not in Italy you cant....
  • 3 0
 @justanotherusername: If you have a Peloton you can. Or just set your bike up on a treadmill and glue on some rocks to the belt.
  • 1 1
 Hears some inspiration of what you can build with a little work each day for 3 years!!!!!!!!!


www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJW3mNO-kV8
  • 1 0
 - A Cycleplan survey has revealed that 78% of British cyclists would be worried about their mental health if the Goveernment stopped them from cycling during the Coronavirus lockdown. Of the 547 riders surveyed, 66% said that cycling boosts their mood, 47% said it helps them manage anxiety and 51% of respondents stated that it helps them to reduce stress. Despite the lockdown, 86% of cyclists are still riding their bikes with 80% stating they had reduced their reliance on their car for short journeys.

"Goveernment" even this box caught that spelling error.
  • 2 1
 Sounds like a bunch of Trump supporters. Stay home until Bill Gates says you’re allowed to come out!!
  • 2 0
 If you're looking for a bike race end of the summer in BC, we are hosting the Merritt Crown. It is 120km, 3300m elevation, and 12hr time limit. We will have riverside camping and a BBQ and beer garden after. Check it out!
  • 2 0
 Well this freaking virus hitting us in Europe quite hard these days, home office in discussion for everybody... hopefully going out for a ride will be still possible the next weeks ... Unbelievable somehow
  • 13 12
 This is so dumb. Rather than causing mass panic like this, govts should isolate the vulnerable people from the rest of nd ensure they have all the resources they need. The rest of us can just go about our business as usual.

Anyone who has a compromised immune system should stay away from large crowds and be given support. Aged care facilities should be protected like China was doing in Wuhan.

Everyone else? Keep calm, carry on and keep pedalling.
  • 3 0
 Quite difficult to isolate everyone above a certain age (23% of population in the UK are in the vulnerable age bracket) or with an underlying health condition from the entire population - how do people visit for necessary care, companionship etc and how long should we lock them all away for as current estimates are the ‘peak’ lasting for weeks alone and being around 12-14 weeks away in the UK.

In fairness it does make some common sense but in the real world it’s almost impossible to implement - though quite close to what the UK govt is suggesting.

South Korea has the winning approach and is currently beating this but it’s too late here in the UK, mainland Europe and USA etc to implement such a plan.
  • 11 3
 Yea so simple right, the answer to the entire world's problems is right here in the pinkbike comment section.
  • 3 0
 This comment hasn't aged so we'll.
  • 1 0
 This article is a sadomasochists dream, each time you open it someone drives a stake through your heart and the grave where 2020 mountain biking goes to die fills up even more! I respect and salute all of the decisions bit do not bear them lightly...
  • 2 0
 I live rurally and even on a normal day I dont come into any contact with another person during a ride. Especially smashing around between 15 - 30 mph on the roadie. Morally, I have no qualms with getting out for a ride.
  • 7 3
 A lot of comments in this thread look pretty uneducated and stupid now. Funny how it’s a lot of Trumpers.
  • 6 2
 Who would've thought Trump supporters would turn out to be delusional?
  • 5 2
 @metaam: its ok cos they are winning the the Covid-19 league which means they are the winningest.
  • 2 2
 Sorry your apocalypse lost.
  • 5 2
 Don't be lazy and sit in front of your TV like a zombie, research covid19 for yourself. Things aren't what we've been told by one sided Media. God be with us all!
  • 3 2
 Please please please enlighten us with your knowledge and intelligence.
  • 2 1
 As a Transcascadia ticket holder, I gotta applaud them for what they are doing, BUT after asking several times over the last few weeks, they have been suspiciously quiet and not returning emails. Not great TBH. Should do better and just be honest about it. We are all riders here.
  • 1 0
 Would be good to see a timeline of when the events were meant to be happening and when they were happening, colour coded so that you could distinguish the two. When the red turns to green would be the tipping point.
  • 4 1
 Supposedly "all publicity is good publicity", does this mean that sales of corona beers have increased?
  • 2 0
 Walter Yeh, great name!
Reminds me of a lesser known TV show called Nathan Barley, and the publisher was called Jonathan Yeah?
  • 2 0
 Do you seriously think the Dakine move is linked to Covid-19? Pfffff. This is a long time coming, should be gone in another year.
  • 2 0
 Cape Epic should host the first round of the EWS, DH World Cup, XC World Cup, and World Championships just in case.
  • 1 0
 The only problem with South Africa is summers over now, there flu season begins and now Covid19 spreads across the Southern Hemisphere
  • 2 0
 March 13, Specialized Racing Team (Annika Langvad, Jenny Rissveds, Jaroslav Kulhavý, and Howard Grotts), and Ghost Factory Racing Team (Anne Terpstra and Barbara Benkó) have decided not to start the race. Athletes and staff will travel home as soon as possible.
  • 1 0
 @koryak: I know the reasons behind the decision but this news just sucks.....Epically!
I was looking forward to it in a big way.......
  • 7 5
 This is nothing but a power grab and you people are nothing but f'n sheeple. F U all!!!!
  • 3 3
 Shmuck
  • 1 0
 We need more George (I am sure I will get plenty of down votes and virtue signals, but oh well. Big Grin

www.youtube.com/watch?v=X29lF43mUlo
  • 1 0
 April 27 , Blue mountain bike park in Ontario closed for the season, That just sucks
  • 1 0
 Hey Dakine, Too bad your leaving us in Oregon. I feel for those employees.
  • 4 2
 I'm getting the popcorn ready for this one.
  • 2 0
 Same brotha
  • 2 0
 Its called covid19 on the world outside.
  • 2 1
 MANU CHAO
  • 2 4
 wuhan virus. ebola named after river it came from...so same here
  • 1 0
 March 13th - NC NICA postpones youth race series and suspends all team practices...
  • 2 0
 Everyone stocking up on TP, I’m off to the liquor store and dispensary!
  • 1 0
 Liquor store was busiest stop for me today. lol
  • 1 0
 I need TP for my bunghole!
  • 1 0
 Pan-American XCM championship in San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) postponed to NOVEMBER.
  • 1 1
 I just finished a mid-week ride. That is a wonderful statement and it's thanks to the COVID-19 shut-down here in Broward county.
  • 3 1
 buy from China.......rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrighT
  • 2 0
 Only the elites are getting the virus. Its all about the adrenochrome.
  • 1 0
 brain bubbles?
  • 1 0
 @Urwho: Yeah maybe? Could be symptoms of withdrawals. Have they're supply been cut off? Hope so
  • 2 0
 This comment section is ageing like milk ????????
  • 1 0
 No NAHBS this year? NOOOO! Where are they going to put those 35455436533 variations of a steel lugged 1950s road bike now?
  • 1 0
 Yeah I cant see that 50% refund holding up in court. Difficult situation but can't see that being the end of it.
  • 3 5
 The UCI didn't want to cancel the events because they would lose income from rights. They were/are waiting for the health authorities or governments to cancel the events. #profits
  • 7 0
 Thats probably what they should do. The UCI is the governing body of cycling, not infectious disease experts. The local health authorities are the experts, UCI should be following their lead.
  • 1 0
 Hoping for Whistler Bike Park to open this summer
  • 1 0
 For shake of god NO NO NO !!!!!
  • 2 0
 If I end up having to self isolate...what the hell am I going to watch?
  • 1 0
 @vjunior21: Billions
  • 1 0
 @RoadStain:
Great show.

In general someone suggested Hunters to me the other day. I turned it on without knowing what it was. The first 10 minutes were a little shocking as I didn't know what I was about to watch. LOL
  • 1 0
 @vjunior21: I'm sure there's enough snuffs on the internet to satisfy your needs Wink You also know you can watch repeated re-runs of Friday Fails - what's it up to now - 109?
  • 15 15
 Didn’t Trump say it was a hoax? Everyone should go to his next rally! MAGA, Mar-a-lago And Golf Again!
  • 8 4
 trump got his medical degree from WebMD, it was written in Sharpie
  • 13 5
 Trump also started putting travel bans into place while people where still calling him crazy and racist. Just saying.
  • 9 5
 @onemanarmy: when did he become not crazy and racist?
  • 5 2
 @sino428: Didn't say that... just said he managed to do something half smart...
  • 2 1
 @onemanarmy: fair enough
  • 6 7
 Trump bad. He say bad things. He make me feel bad. Burn the witch!
  • 1 0
 It would do the big industry some good to just chill for a bit
  • 1 0
 Anyone heard anything about Fort Bill?
  • 3 0
 Gatherings of over 500 people will be banned from next week in Scotland, for how long we don't know
  • 12 1
 7.33% of the population of Fort William can speak Gaelic
  • 2 0
 @mtb-scotland: hahahaha nice one mate
  • 1 0
 This might help with tracking in some foreign locations www.ncov2019.live
  • 1 0
 THANKS BRO
  • 1 1
 Effects for me is I get to work from home, then get to go out and take 2 hour lunch rides!!
  • 5 4
 Covid virus has just as much right to live as any other organism on earth.
  • 8 1
 Viruses do not meet the criteria for life. They are non self replicating machines.
  • 1 0
 @kimura

Todo me parece bonito
  • 1 0
 There is no way any of the DH in Europe/UK will go ahead.
  • 1 0
 Speaking secrete alphabet, i need another cigarette, learn to forget
  • 1 0
 Still waiting for these kickstand reviews.
  • 1 0
 RIP CABDA
  • 1 1
 Dentists about to be selling off their bikes on the cheap!
  • 2 5
 Have been taking Food Grade H2O2 FOR 3 years, will it help with Coronavirus, may be?
But will not harm you like stuff you get from Chemist/ pharmacy? NO
FYI you can buy on ebay
  • 1 2
 As long as whistler bike park opens may long weekend!!!
  • 4 0
 I would not get your Hope's up. I would be surprised if they open at all this season.
  • 2 5
 Flubros are being more vindicated with every passing day. All you doomers were suckas!
  • 1 3
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