The sixth annual Tour De Yorkshire has been postponed due to the coronavirus. The event was due to take place from 30th April to 3rd May 2020- it was supposed to pass through 160 towns and villages.
Stakeholders and sponsors Welcome to Yorkshire held in-depth discussions with both the ASO and British Cycling. All parties agreed that it was the most sensible and responsible course of action in this current climate
The key factor was the additional burden that such large-scale events can have on local authorities and emergency services, who are already stretched with the outbreak of COVID-19. They wanted to make sure that the could not state how important health and safety of the public is at this time.
Peter Box CBE, 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 support those tourism businesses across the region, many still reeling from the floods, during this unprecedented crisis.”
Last year’s race generated £60M for Yorkshire’s economy, with 28M people tuning in to watch the race – attracting “Tour De France style” crowds across the region. Although many businesses will be affected by this decision Welcome to Yorkshire does not take this lightly, Acting so early allows them to focus on how they can help businesses in the area in the crucial time.
[Featured image: Unsplash]
