Cookstown 100 organisers plan September race with 'limited spectator numbers'

The organisers of the Cookstown 100 have again reiterated their commitment to running the event in September, with limited numbers of spectators permitted.
Michael Sweeney and Derek Sheils in action during practice at the Cookstown 100 last year.Michael Sweeney and Derek Sheils in action during practice at the Cookstown 100 last year.
Michael Sweeney and Derek Sheils in action during practice at the Cookstown 100 last year.

The Irish national road race was postponed from its usual April date due to the coronavirus crisis and the Cookstown club now hopes to stage the event on September 11-12.

In a statement released on Wednesday, organisers said spectators would be able to apply for a limited numbers of admission wristbands online 'in due course'.

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The idea was mooted earlier this month by club chairman, John Dillon.The statement said: “After discussions with various organisations, it was agreed at the meeting (on Tuesday evening) that the club will be running the event with various restrictions in place for 2020.

The Cookstown 100 organisers hope to run the event in September.The Cookstown 100 organisers hope to run the event in September.
The Cookstown 100 organisers hope to run the event in September.

“Due to restrictions which will still, be in effect at the timing of when the event is due to be held. One tough decision the club has had to make is to run the event as a closed event, with restricted spectator numbers to accommodate social distancing regulations, allowing limited numbers in vantage points throughout the course. The online pre-booked wristband will be available in due course.

“We as a club would prefer to have our event run as normal, but in these trying times, we have to make various decisions and make changes for this year at least, to try and bring some road racing for the riders and spectators in 2020 all be it in limited circumstances.

“But we will continue to work with various organisations and keep the public up to date with any decisions made.”

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Rider entries already submitted will be carried forward to the September date. The closing date for further entries is July 18.

The statement added: “As a club, we will remain committed to bringing some racing in 2020, until we are told otherwise.”

Along with the Cookstown meeting, the Tandragee 100 is the only other national road race that has yet to be cancelled this year.

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