CORONAVIRUS seemingly won't prevent this weekend's state junior road cycling championships from proceeding in Wagga, but Wagga Cycling Club spokesperson Cameron Oke says next month's national junior road championships are a "50-50" prospect..
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The club has spent weeks ensuring the state titles, to be held at Wantabadgery on Saturday and Sunday, comply with COVID regulations, including appointing COVID officers and cleaners.
The national titles, to be held in Wagga from November 20-22, are more in the firing line given the task of ensuring it's safe for interstate competitors to travel for the event is far more complicated.
Oke said the club would be governed by the advice and guidelines issued by the government in regards to the national titles, but said the ticking every box at the state titles would help their cause.
"We're getting all the COVID regulations and guidelines in place and making sure we're up to speed for the weekend," he said.
"We're getting cleaners and the club's not going overboard, it's just what's expected to make sure every visitor (is safe).
"The signing in process is contactless, and the finish line for the under-15s and 17s will be closed off so there' s no mingling around.
"It's disappointing on a parent front for watching their children, but we'll try and live stream most of the races so there's not a large amount of people congregating at the finish line.
"Singleton hosted the NSW Masters championships on the weekend and the same lady who's doing the groundwork for that is the one organising the juniors.
"We're lucky in that respect because if there's anything that is missed at that event, we can learn from that.
"The last thing the club wants is to have our name dragged through the mud and a (COVID) case comes through us, it's the last thing we want to do."
Oke conceded the status of the nationals is very much in the air, with some states already advising they won't send riders and Queensland's hardline stance on opening its border.
"I think we've been informed Tasmania and WA aren't bringing a team. Cycling NSW are really wanting the national championships but we're in unprecedented times and if that's the case (it doesn't happen), that's the case.
"It's 50-50 at this stage. A couple of weeks ago it was probably 70-30 but as it's getting closer to the date it could possibly be cancelled.
"People in Tasmania or Victoria would have to spend two weeks holidaying in quarantine before they arrive, so a parent has to outlay at least $3000 just for their child to ride nationals.
"At this stage it looks like only SA, NSW and ACT (would compete). You lose probably 100 entrants, financially the club would lose money hand over fist and it's something the club can't afford to do."
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