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15th May 2020
Categories: Visitor News
This year’s Tour of Britain, which was going to host stage two in Devon, has been postponed until 2021 amid the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Organisers of the eight day cycle race have announced that they are planning to hold the race from 5th-12th September 2021, with confirmation to come soon.
Announcing the changes, a statement from the Tour said: “Across the UK there are significant doubts around the potential to stage large scale public events and gatherings, such as the Tour of Britain as early as September and while any form of social distancing remains in place and there isn’t a vaccine available, people’s health and safety must come first.
“Local authority partners across Britain remain under considerable pressure with their priorities rightly elsewhere and so would not be able to contribute fully to the planning of the event, whilst also not being in a position to maximise the social, economic and community benefits that hosting a stage of the Tour of Britain brings to their area. Holding the Tour of Britain behind closed doors or with extensive social distancing rules would not only be immensely impractical, but would rob our venues and spectators of these opportunities and go against everything that cycling as a free to spectate and accessible event, stands for.”
Initially, Stage 2 was planned to begin in Sherford and culminate in Exeter before competitors crossed the border in Cornwall. It would have been the first time the event would be held in Cornwall. However, plans are in place to use the same route and places for each stage for the 2021 event.
Speaking about the announcement to postpone the event, Devon County Councillor, Stuart Hughes, the cabinet member responsible for cycling, said: “I’m sure everyone can appreciate the amount of thought that has gone into making this decision and everyone involved in the planning of the race is agreed that it is the right thing to do. Of course, we understand that a lot of people will be disappointed, but safety for spectators, the riders and the organisers of the race is paramount.
“The crowds are always what have made Devon stages of the Tour of Britain so special. Hundreds of thousands of people always turn out along the route and if social distancing means that isn’t possible, then it makes sense that the race is postponed until next year. We will look forward to welcoming the tour back in 2021 as well as all visitors to make it the biggest and best ever edition of the race.”
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