Statement - Overseas Travel Status & UCI Track Cycling Nations Cup 1

Cycling Ireland Statement –
Overseas Travel Status Update & UCI Track Cycling Nations Cup 1, Newport

Cycling Ireland will endeavour to support a team to compete in the UCI Track Cycling Nations Cup, Newport, which is scheduled to take place from 22^nd – 25^th April 2021. A selection criteria for the event is now available HERE - however all aspects will be subject to the following stipulations and requirements regarding travel, attendance and protocols/guidelines in place in respect of Covid-19.

At the time of writing this document the Republic of Ireland is at a Level 5 lockdown meaning citizens should stay at home with exception of essential reasons and for exercise within 5km of your home. Current government guidance regarding international travel is that you should only travel outside of Ireland or Northern Ireland if you have an essential reason for doing so.

As stipulated by Sport Ireland in their document titled “International Travel for High Performance Sporting Activities During The COVID-19 Pandemic”, it is deemed that “International travel is an essential part of normal preparation and competition for High Performing (Elite) athletes”.

Additionally, Sport Ireland have issued (8^th February 2021), further guidance in a document titled “Protocols Essentials for High Performance Sport”. This document states that under the Statutory Instruments No. 39 of 2021, National Governing Bodies (NGBs) must apply on behalf of the sport for a certificate of approval from Sport Ireland to travel to international events following submission of a detailed risk assessment, safety protocols and satisfactory rationale for attending the international event. In this context internationally important events are generally limited to “Olympic /Paralympic qualification events; competition which is essential for Games’ preparation; and training camps (for these events) which are not possible to replicate domestically”.

Given this guidance, Cycling Ireland will submit a risk assessment and safety protocols to Sport Ireland to obtain a certificate of approval for a team to represent Ireland at the UCI Track Cycling Nations Cup, Newport.

This is the current guidance as stipulated by Sport Ireland following consultation with the Irish Government. Cycling Ireland will continue to work closely with Sport Ireland to obtain the most up to date guidance on international travel as the year continues.

The wider cycling community is advised that the above protocols will be apply to any requests for travel for all disciplines of the sport whilst the Level 5 lockdown remains in place.