Coronavirus NI: Tandragee 100 postponed indefinitely

The news was confirmed in a statement issued by the organisers on Monday morning.

It read: “We have been liaising with our governing body the MCUI UC, the MCUI UC Medical Liaison Officer, our local ABC Council, our supply chain and the Public Health Agency in relation to the current unprecedented situation regarding Covid-19.

“Today’s announcement to postpone the Tandragee 100 National Motorcycle Road Races has been taken with the intention of keeping people safe.

“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.”

The announcement follows the postponement of the Cookstown 100, which was scheduled to take place from Aril 24-25. The organisers of the Co Tyrone race are examining the possibility of running the race in September.

North West 200 Event Director Mervyn Whyte was due to meet with the Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael McBride, on Monday. However, it is understood the meeting was cancelled and is set to be rescheduled.

It is anticipated the organisers of the international road race will follow the example of the Cookstown and Tandragee clubs and call off the event in May.