Participant numbers increase to 200 at events

Participant numbers increase to 200 at events

The maximum number permitted at cycling events outdoors has increased to 200 from June 7th. The figure has been revised up from an original figure of 100.

It may be possible for event organisers to facilitate a larger number of overall participants through the use of waves/pods.

Updated guidelines published 04.06.2021

Please find below updated information and enclosed guidance in relation to the return of cycling events within the Republic of Ireland from June 7th. Cycling Ireland guidance is derived from that of Sport Ireland and the Return to Sport Expert Group.

The key principle is the avoidance in any instance of a congregation of more than 200 people before, during or after cycling events.

Guidance for Event Organisers

• The initial return starting number of 200 is recommended. This number of 200 includes participants, officials and essential support personnel. The number excludes officials and essential support personnel involved in pre-event delivery or located on sections of the course away from the main congregation.

• It may be possible for event organisers to facilitate larger numbers of overall participants through the use of waves/pods and separate sign on/parking areas. The key principle of the avoidance in any instance of a congregation of more than 200 people in one area before, during or after an event must be upheld.

• Events should take place without spectators and in adherence with Cycling Ireland Covid-19 Event Protocols. Mitigation measures include online registration, sanitising dispensers, no organised food stops or prize giving and health self-assessment prior to event.

Use of Waves/Pods

• Should an event wish to implement waves/pods a sufficient time gap should be in place to guarantee that at no time would gatherings of more than 200 people take place. The time gap required will vary between disciplines and events however event organisers should take a cautious approach with clearly distinct waves.

• Clear guidance must be issued to participants regarding their wave start time. Leisure events/sportives should segregate participants by estimated average speed and set the fastest wave off first. A minimum time gap of 15 minutes is recommended. The time gap will need to increase if there is the risk of a congregation of more than 200 people before, during or after the event.

• Competitive Road/Track/BMX/Off-Road events may split into separate early morning, late morning, and afternoon events in order to comply with the guidelines.

Working Examples

Competitive Road Race: Racing may be split into separate early morning, late morning, and afternoon events in order to comply with the guidelines.

Leisure Sportives: A distinct gap should be in place between waves to avoid a congregation of more than 200 people before, during or after the event. Depending on the route and facilities available (separate wave parking/start line/finish line for example) a time gap of 15 minutes or more may be sufficient between waves. Estimated average speed should be used to seed participants with the fastest wave set off first. As per Cycling Ireland’s Covid-19 Event Protocols there can be no organised food stops on route.

Track/BMX: Racing may be split into separate early morning, late morning, and afternoon events in order to comply with the guidelines.

Off-Road: Racing may be split into separate early morning, late morning, and afternoon events in order to comply with the guidelines. Certain leisure/sportive style off-road events such as long-distance gravel rides may implement wave starts provided sufficient time gaps are in place (see Leisure Sportives).

In certain limited circumstances a small increase in participant numbers may be granted in order to run a meaningful National level or closed circuit/self-contained event. Prior approval is required from Cycling Ireland. Contact garry.nugent@cyclingireland.ie.

Click HERE for Cycling Ireland Covid-19 Event Protocols.

Northern Ireland Events

The Northern Ireland Executive recently announced further easing of restrictions from May 24th. The welcome news for members includes the removal of the limit of 15 people for outdoor training sessions and an increase to 500 people for sports events such as sportives, leisure cycles and racing.