Brakes are put on the 2020 Tour de Yorkshire

THE 2020 Tour de Yorkshire has been postponed due to the spread of coronavirus.

The sixth edition of the annual cycle race was scheduled to take place between April 30 and May 3, with stage three set to head through Calderdale on May 2, and stage four set to start in Halifax on May 3 in the historic Piece Hall.

In a statement on their website, organisers said: “The developing situation with regards to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) means continuing with the event as planned simply became untenable.

“A key factor in the decisionmaking process was the consideration of the additional burden that such a large-scale event places on the emergency services and local authority partners, at a time when their priorities are rightly elsewhere. It is important to reiterate that the overriding concern for all partners involved is the health and safety of the public at this time.

Peter Box, Chair of Welcome to Yorkshire said: “The race is a great spectacle, but we all know that the health and well-being of everyone across the region, and the country, is frankly more important than a sporting event. Our attention now turns to supporting those tourism businesses across the region, many still reeling from the floods, during this unprecedented crisis.”

“Welcome to Yorkshire, ASO and British Cycling are working with the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) to find alternative dates in the international cycling calendar for the race to take place.

“Welcome to Yorkshire understands the impact that postponing the race will have on the tourism industry across the region.

“This early decision gives us the opportunity to focus our efforts on how we can support businesses at this time and continue to promote the region as a destination to visit going forward.”