Another blow for bike fans as North West 200 is axed for a second time
The North West 200 - Northern Ireland's biggest sporting spectacle - has been cancelled for the second year running due to the ongoing covid pandemic.
It is yet another major blow for road racing fans with the Tandragee 100 postponed last week and the Cookstown 100 delayed until September.
In a statement organisers said they had considered a delay but had ultimately decided "with great regret" that cancellation was the only way forward.
"The official advice from government and public health officials has made it clear the effects of Coronavirus will remain with us for some considerable time to come, despite the roll out of the vaccination programme. In those circumstances, and after much consideration, the Club committee feels it would be impossible to run this year’s event," the statement from the Coleraine Club added.
"A contingency plan that involved delaying race week from May until August has been given full consideration. However, with so much time, expense and personnel involved in the planning and preparation of the NW200, the risk in pursuing such a plan is too great because of continued uncertainty around both the effects of the virus on our community and the extent of the restrictions aimed at suppressing it."
Organisers added that the "main priority must be to ensure the safety and wellbeing of not only those involved in the event, but also the residents of the north coast area and further afield."
They said: "It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the organisers to limit the number of people who travel to the area during race week which, in turn, could pose a significant risk to the local population. That is a situation that cannot be contemplated.
"Although extremely disappointing, the decision to cancel the NW200 for the second year in a row is the only responsible course of action the Coleraine Club can take. We would like to offer our sincere thanks to all of our loyal sponsors, officials and volunteers for their understanding and support.
"We also apologise for any inconvenience caused by the cancellation and hope that this timely intervention can assist the teams and competitors who would normally take part in to our event in making alternative plans."