As part of the fight against the spread of Coronavirus (COVID19), Welcome to Yorkshire and the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) have made the joint decision to postpone the 2020 Tour de Yorkshire and Asda Tour de Yorkshire Women’s Race.

Stage Two of the men’s race and Stage One of the women’s race were due to start in Skipton on May 1.

The event is one of the best supported races in the cycling calendar but the safety of everyone involved from the athletes to the spectators must be the number one priority.

Following consultation with stakeholders and sponsors Welcome to Yorkshire held in depth and constructive discussions with both ASO and British Cycling (both TDY race partners) with all parties in agreement that this is the right and responsible course of action.

The sixth edition of the annual cycle race was scheduled to take place between 30th April and 3rd May 2020 but the developing situation with regards to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) means continuing with the event as planned simply became untenable.

A key factor in the decision-making process was the consideration of the additional burden that such a large-scale event places on the emergency services and local authority partners, at a time when their priorities are rightly elsewhere. It is important to reiterate that the overriding concern for all partners involved is the health and safety of the public 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 supporting those tourism businesses across the region, many still reeling from the floods, during this unprecedented crisis.”

Leader of Craven District Council, Cllr Richard Foster said:  “Although we are naturally disappointed this decision is completely understandable in these extraordinary circumstances.  I’d like to thank all our communities that were looking forward to the event and getting behind it, and we hope we will be able to welcome the Tour de Yorkshire to Craven again soon. We will be working with Welcome to Yorkshire and the organisers of the event to discuss the implications of postponement and how we can move forward in the future.”

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Chairman, Carl Lis, said: “It’s such a shame for the whole area, but I’m sure everyone will understand why the decision has been made.  The National Park Authority will assist Craven District Council and Welcome to Yorkshire to manage the postponement, and will look forward to promoting the Dales afresh once the worst of this crisis is over.  The important message is to follow the Government’s advice.”

Welcome to Yorkshire, ASO and British Cycling are working with the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) to find alternative dates in the international cycling calendar for the race to take place.

Welcome to Yorkshire understands the impact that postponing the race will have on the tourism industry across the region. This early decision gives us the opportunity to focus our efforts on how we can support businesses at this time and continue to promote the region as a destination to visit going forward.