Committee Update

Although we still don’t know what racing is going to be possible come the autumn, the Scottish Cyclocross Committee is keen to understand what scenarios are achievable and what race organisers are planning for the months ahead.

Following a constructive discussion at the AGM about the challenges of racing for next season, two meetings were held (on 23rd March & 20th April) specifically for race organisers to dig deeper into the options. Anyone who would normally be planning to put on a race (whether it would be a series race or not) was invited to attend.

Andy Cosgrove and Ian Doe, regional events officers at British Cycling, gave their experiences on running events last year under challenging Covid-19 restrictions. Ian explained that although a formal league wasn’t held, they managed to run smaller socially-distanced events hosted by a local club. Along with events limited to 30 riders, Ian explained that ‘space, time and communication was key’ to running these events under Covid-19 restrictions. Ian suggested that ultimately, every situation should be considered on its own merits but that there is definitely a need to be ‘prepared and adaptable’.

Discussion on suggested mitigation measures for events included:

·         One way systems in place eg. entrance/exit

·         Different car parking areas for different races

·         Covid-19 gap – window between races for clearing race area

·         Covid-19 marshalls

·         Maximise space

·         No food provision or entertainment

There was general recognition that the differences across the rules for athletes and the general public and even across regions is confusing, although with restrictions easing and Covid-19 testing and vaccination, it is clear that more events will be in the pipeline. We heard that there are still reservations around a full return to National racing, although there was general appetite for regional and local racing.

We are aware that many events that were due to take place in early 2021 have been postponed to the autumn. Although we are currently not in a position to confirm whether a Scottish Cyclocross series for 2021 will be going ahead, we have identified potential dates for races which you can find in the events calendar.

The committee is keen that a co-ordinated approach be taken and that this should help racers and organisers in their planning ahead.

We have created a new section on the website for race organisers and you’ll find a season planner template for download here.

For the latest guidance update from Scottish Cycling see here.

A third meeting for race organisers will be held in June. Further details will be announced shortly.