Following the announcement of Level 2 lockdown on Saturday 15 August 2020, government has now included provision for recreational sport.
In terms of cycling, the introduction of Level 2 now allows recreational cyclists to attend events (with a temporary day license) and the opening up of all cycling disciplines.
While recreational sport is permitted under Level 2, there have been no further guidelines in terms of group sporting activities. It is our recommendation that general group rides be limited to 10 people to comply with social distancing measures. In addition, organised club rides should follow the requirements for gatherings and limit size to a maximum of 50 people with all COVID19 health protocols and social distancing measures being adhered to.
All other Level 3 regulations remain unchanged in terms of gatherings and events.
In relation to event size, the limitation of gatherings to 50 people has the practical implication of start groups being limited to approx. 40 – 45 cyclists, when taking staff numbers into account. In addition to the restricted small-batch starts, it needs to be remembered that the total event attendance limitation per day is stipulated at 300 which again includes all staff and cyclists.
We have received several requests for reconsideration of the cancellation of the National Championship events but taking the restrictions into account, fair and equitable National Championships are impossible to host as it would require CyclingSA to limit the number of riders who may compete.
It is for this reason that the National Championships across all disciplines remain cancelled until such time that the regulations allow for greater participation, and therefore a true or full representation of national talent.
We appeal to all organisers, entry portals, administrative companies and participants to be aware of, and follow the regulations as we do not want to have these allowances retracted.
The CyclingSA event calendar will be continually updated as more events are sanctioned. Please contact your province directly should you require specific event information.
For the most recent regulations, please view National Gazette No. 43620 as published by government on 17 August 2020 and National Gazette No.43584 issued by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Photo credit: Boogs Photography