The 60th Anniversary of the Tandragee 100 has been postponed because of the coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak.
The organisers have said the “safety of our society, more than ever, has to come first”.
The committee behind the popular Co. Armagh road race have been liaising with the governing body the MCUI UC, the MCUI UC Medical Liaison Officer, our the ABC Council, as well as the Public Health Agency.
“Today’s announcement to postpone the Tandragee 100 National Motorcycle Road Races has been taken with the intention of keeping people safe,” said course clerk, Anne Forsythe.
She added: “It is important not only to consider the safety of our volunteers and officials, local residents and landowners, local businesses, the competitors and of course our spectators but also the wider general public.
“If we are to collectively delay the spread of the disease, ‘flatten the curve’ and ultimately reduce the impact Covid-19 will have in the longer term we believe to gather in large numbers for our event is not appropriate given the circumstances.
“At a time when our Health & Social Care Services are putting plans in place to manage increased demand we must not place an additional strain on their precious resources.
“Many of our event medical team and first aiders will be needed to contribute to the HSC response across Northern Ireland and we also would not wish to potentially divert HSC ambulance and hospital resources to deal with any event related requirements. To all those involved in the response to Covid-19 we thank you.
“As a Club we are of course disappointed to have to take this decision to postpone our 60th Anniversary Celebrations, however, it is the right thing to do.
“We believe it is important to let everyone involved know at the earliest opportunity, so they can make alternative arrangements or possibly transfer any bookings which they may have made.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal sponsors for their understanding and support. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this announcement causes.
“Our message to everyone is to put your health first, don’t take any unnecessary risks. Keep up to date with and follow the advice given by the Public Health Agency. Think about the vulnerable in our society and act with compassion towards each other.
“To anyone who is currently affected by Covid-19 and to those who will later become so, you are in our thoughts and prayers not only now but in the coming weeks and months.”
