North West 200 road races are now OFF

The annual road race event held in the North of Ireland has been postponed.

According to Kyle White at the Belfast News Letter, the event has been binned in light of efforts to ward off the worst of the coronavirus outbreak.

Organisers of the North West had been due to meet with the Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael McBride and other public health officials yesterday (Monday) but the meeting was cancelled – the reason for the cancellation is not clear.

A statement from the NW200 organisers said: “Given the current concerns and restrictions around the Coronavirus public health crisis, the organisers of the 2020 fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200 will postpone the May 10-16 Race Week.

“Over the past two weeks we have been in constant contact with government and public health officials, representatives of Causeway Coast and Glens Council, and the sport’s governing body, the MCUI (UC).”

The statement added the decision was ‘based upon the advice and guidance received.’

It added: “Our paramount desire is to act responsibly and do all we can to protect everyone from the threat posed by the virus.

“We enjoy the full support of loyal sponsors and stakeholders in making this decision but apologise for any inconvenience it has caused to them, our competitors, volunteers and race fans.”