There is little chance that any of us will forget 2020, and it is a year that will remain in the history books. Since the middle of March, sporting events and public events of almost any kind have been cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. From the Cape Epic, to Transalp, Alpen Tour Trophy, World Cups and even the Olynmpics. Events have been postponed and cancelled around the world, although some countries are now holding competitions again.
In Brazil, no cycling races can be held before the beginning of August. Taking into account the rules defined by the entities that govern sport abroad and in Brazil, UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) and CBC (Brazilian Cycling Confederation), as well as organs of the state government of Bahia and Porto Seguro City Hall, the Brasil Ride organisation opted to postpone the 11th edition of the stage race to 17-23 October 2021.
“Obviously this wasn’t the news I would like to give, but it is the most prudent for the moment. After a great analysis involving UCI, CBC, the State of Bahia and Porto Seguro City Hall, as well as our work team, thinking about the new protocols required, we concluded that it is neither safe nor feasible to hold the event in October 2020. So we postponed it to 2021. I’m very sorry, but I believe that people’s safety and well-being is the most important “, explains Mario Roma, founder of Brasil Ride.
“Brasil Ride is an event that requires 300 people working and another 500 competing in the seven days, in addition to more than 2,000 cyclists in the Marathon that ends the competition, on Saturday, in a weekend that Arraial d’Ajuda reaches 8,000 visitors. There are almost 6,000 meals served during the event, in other words, those who has ever been there knows what we are talking about. It would be impossible to be done. Two giant structures in Guaratinga and Arraial d’Ajuda. Maybe in October things will be better, I hope so, but it is not right for us to let athletes plan for something that isn’t certain to happen “, he adds.
Brazil has had a huge increase of infections with COVID-19 in recent weeks, and there are many who believe that the true number will be even higher.
What if I have an entry to Brasil Ride?
– Regardless of date, your registration will prevail.
– If you are unable to attend on a new date, you can transfer your registration to another athlete.
– You will have your credit to participate in other events held by Roma Sports MKT during 2020 and 2021.
“It is unthinkable, in the current situation and in the short term (30 to 60 days) and medium term (60 to 100 days), to carry out a stage race in Brazil safely. Everyone who knows Brasil Ride knows the one and only rule: #RESPECT… based on that same rule that I sadly decided not to hold the Brasil Ride 2020”, says Roma.
A new event in 2021
Mario Roma has also announced a new competition that will be part of the Brasil Ride mountain bike calendar. “I don’t think we lost. We gain with our health and more: we will have a new stage race in 2021, in Minas Gerais State. Soon we will present more informations about what we have prepared, which for sure “Seems Easy But It’s Not”. Thank you for your understanding, and I am sure that you share my opinion that preserving our health and that of everyone around us is priceless, since our health is essential for us to have fun and be happy, without health we have nothing”, concludes Mario Roma.