The World Solo 24-hour Endurance Mountain Bike Championships will not be staged in Armidale in November due the coronavirus, it has been announced.
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The pinnacle event of endurance mountain biking has been postponed until November 2021, with Armidale to host the event.
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In a statement, WEMBO said: "While it is highly likely that major sporting events will be taking place in Australia late in 2020, the restrictions on international travel to Australia mean that if the event went ahead it would not be fair for all competitors."
WEMBO said international riders would either not be allowed to travel to Australia, or would face long quarantine periods on arrival, which would unfairly affect their race preparation.
"WEMBO has always strived to present the fairest possible environment for all those wishing to take part in our events," it said.
The positive news for Armidale is the event will still be held at the University of New England's tracks next year.
The trails were extended five kilometres for the championships.
New England Mountain Bikers president Peter Hosking is relieved and "excited" the club will host the event on November 6-7 next year.
It will be the second time Australia has hosted the championships, after Canberra in 2013.
The event will lure thousands of people Armidale.
Ellen Dunger
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Am currently involved in endurance horse riding and racing. Always happy to hear news and tips. Contact me via email: ellen.dunger@austcommunitymedia.com.au or phone/ text 0438 259 985 www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Am currently involved in endurance horse riding and racing. Always happy to hear news and tips. Contact me via email: ellen.dunger@austcommunitymedia.com.au or phone/ text 0438 259 985 www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
