The Herald Cycle Tour 2021 Race Update
To All Herald Cycle Tour riders and spectators,
The last few months have been challenging to say the least – throwing us all into unfamiliar spaces and having to operate under arduous circumstances. Despite the complexities, it’s helped us gain perspective in learning to adapt to these challenges. As event organisers it has helped us adapt and navigate our way around a new environment particularly within the outdoor sports and eventing landscape.
As with many other organised outdoor events, 2021’s Herald Cycle Tour planning has taken a much more intensive approach as we micro-manage every aspect of the event. We are keeping close contact with relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that plans are conducive to current and future circumstances from a health and safety protocol perspective.
After months of consultation with relevant stakeholders and after mapping out and analysing every scenario possible, the final outcome and decision of hosting the Cycle Tour event is influenced by what has and will always remain our first and most important priority . . . the safety and security of our riders, spectators and stakeholders on race day.
While government has eased restrictions with the transition to level 1, we as organisers still have a sole responsibility of ensuring that every facet of the race is regulated under Covid-19 protocols. With that in mind, the planning of the road race event has proven to be a challenge as all operational measures under a Covid-19 environment require extended racing time. This consequently means extended safety and security measures - road closures, traffic, crowd control, fire and disaster management. While limitations have made it difficult to organise and implement, the economic downturn has equally, if not more-so, contributed to the deferment of many sporting events, including our very own Herald Cycle Tour. The restraint in budgetary support has resulted in the intermission of the event’s spend and this contributes predominantly towards the safety and security aspects of the road race event – one that we will not compromise.
Taking into account all these factors, we as organisers, along with our longstanding partners have made the decision to split the MTB and road race event and host the two cycling disciplines separately next year. The MTB will take place in February 2021 and the Road race yet to be confirmed.
The MTB race in Addo is one that we prepared and equipped to host in February, as the Addo Polo Club venue and environment affords us the flexibility to manage controlled group rides without the complexities of extended road closures and safety measures. The dynamic of the environment also lends itself well in that we’re ready and able to swiftly adapt to change in regulations and implement in accordance to government compliance, ensuring that rider safety is first and foremost our priority.
The Herald Cycle Tour celebrates 36 years of cycling legacy and heritage, of community comradery and of bringing individuals of all walks of life together and there is one thing that we can proudly say that this pandemic can’t take away, and that is the love of cycling.
Continue the ride! LIVE THE RIDE!
We hope to see you all next year.
Yours in Cycling,
The Herald Cycle Tour Team