Cycling Ireland Covid19 Update

The Government has published a framework for restrictive measures to guide Ireland over the short to medium-term in managing Covid-19.


The framework consists of 5 levels. The lower levels of the framework will be activated when there is a low incidence of the disease, with isolated outbreaks and low community transmission. The higher levels will be used to deal with higher incidences of the disease.


In a government announcement made on 5 October 2020, the entire country will be placed on level 3 of the framework effective at midnight tonight Tuesday 6 October. This restriction will remain in place for 3 weeks.


Level 3 – Republic of Ireland


The key implications for Cycling Ireland’s approved events and activities are as follows.


Training

  • Outdoors: Non-contact training only in pods of up to 15 (exemption for professional/elite/inter-county sports/senior club championship).


Cycling Ireland club training sessions and approved activities can proceed provided government guidelines regarding maximum participant numbers are adhered to and riders stay within the county.

  • Indoors: Individual training only.


Matches and events

  • No matches or events to take place. (exemption: professional/elite/inter-county/club championship/horse-racing can take place behind closed doors.)


Participation in cycling events are not permitted to take place. Within a cycling context, exemptions are in place for the Elite Team Sprint/Pursuit/Keirin National Championship (10.10.2020). Juniors are also permitted to compete in the specific events outlined above where junior categories exist.


These events will take place behind closed doors. A behind closed doors event can include ‘any individual involved in the participation, running, delivery, or broadcasting of the event’.


Parents/Guardians attending in a safeguarding /supervisory capacity are not classified as a spectator, however strict social distancing and public health guidelines should be adhered to at all times. In that context, one parent/guardian per child is permitted to attend a sporting event, including a game or training session, should they consider it necessary.


Travel


Travel is permitted for work and essential journeys only. This is likely to impact a number of members due to participate in events during the period restrictions remain in place. Therefore, Cycling Ireland will work with Event Organisers and facilitate event entry refunds for effected people as soon as possible.


Additional guidance received by Cycling Ireland in recent days allows for the following exemptions.

  • Professional Team riders (UCI) and Sport Ireland/Sport NI carded athletes
  • Athletes participating in an Elite Team Sprint/Pursuit/Keirin National Championship (10.10.2020). At present all riders (including Juniors) will be eligible to compete in these events if they wish to do so.


Northern Ireland


The NI Executive announced on 1 October 2020 that additional restrictions were being introduced for people living in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.


Indoor gatherings


No indoor gatherings should take place involving people from different households.


Exemptions apply for indoor sport for individual training only


Outdoor gatherings


Gatherings of up to 15 people are permitted.


Travel


People living in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area should avoid all unnecessary travel.


Where travel is necessary for work, education and other essential purposes, people are asked to walk, cycle or use private transport, shared only with members of their household where possible.


Sports


Indoor sport is allowed for individual training only (for example, no exercise classes).


Outdoor sports training is permitted, however this will be required to take place without spectators.


Visit www.gov.ie & https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-and-localised-restrictions for more information.