As reported on VeloNation yesterday, the snowy weather in the UK has made the prospect of organising the National Cyclocross Championships at Sutton Park, Birmingham very difficult. The decision has been made today to postpone this weekend’s event until the weekend of February 6th-7th.
While the course is currently under snow, this is not unusual in cyclo-cross and the riders would have been expected to cope with the conditions. Rather it is access to the venue for competitors, spectators, suppliers of event services and the emergency services that have raised concerns over safety.
British Cycling has been working in consultation with the event organisers, suppliers and Birmingham City Council Safety Advisory Group, but has taken the decision to postpone.
“The decision to postpone the event has not been taken lightly and comes after extensive daily discussions with all parties,” says a statement on the British Cycling website. “The decision is made entirely on the grounds of public safety after considering all the issues concerning vehicle movements and the supply of services into Birmingham's Sutton Park.
“It was agreed by all parties that, whilst the course itself may well be capable of holding the racing events, the access roads into the park present some very serious problems due to ice and snow. Guaranteeing access for essential services such as ambulance cover, event vehicles, temporary toilets, gantries and crowd barriers has proved impossible. Further forecasts for sub zero temperatures and heavy snow on Sunday mean that it has therefore been agreed that the race will be postponed.”
February 6th-7th – the dates of the rescheduled championships – is the weekend after the World Championships in Tabor, Czech Republic.