The Oceania Cycling Confederation (OCC) is closely monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation and the possible impact on upcoming Oceania Championships.

At this time, and based on latest available advice from State Departments of Health in Tasmania and Queensland the 2020 Oceania BMX Championships, scheduled for 25 March in Launceston, Tasmania and 2020 Oceania Road Championships, scheduled for 5-6 April in Brisbane, Queensland will be held as planned.

The Oceania Championships are sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) who have released a statement including guidelines that each organiser must take a certain number of measures with the aim of limiting to a maximum the risk of the coronavirus spreading further. These include:

• Increasing the distance between the public and riders, particularly in the start and finish zones
• Respecting a strict medical protocol, variable depending on the country, but in any case, including a process for dealing with suspected cases and the provision of a detailed map of establishments capable of carrying out diagnostic tests for the coronavirus
• Respecting certain hygiene measures, for example avoiding the use of the same pen by riders signing in at the beginning of the race.

Our priority is the health and safety of all Championship participants – organisers, athletes, coaches, support staff, officials, volunteers and the public. The OCC is in regular communication with all stakeholders and the 2020 Oceania BMX and Road Championships have been reviewed by OCC, BMX Australia (BMX Championships) and Cycling Australia and NXSports (Road Championships) in accordance with the UCI Guidelines and the advice of relevant health organisations.

We realise this is a period of uncertainty regarding the hosting of public sporting events and appreciate the cycling community’s support for the Championships.

The OCC will continue to monitor the situation and remain in contact with event hosts and the Tasmanian and Queensland Governments and will provide additional information as necessary.

The latest information on COVID-19 can be found on the Australian Government Department of Health website. The Australian Institute of Sport is also providing up to date information on their website.