The organisers of one of the world’s most prestigious international mountain bike stage races, the Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek presented by Biogen, have cancelled the 2021 edition.
The four-day UCI-graded event, which attracts many of the world’s elite racers, was scheduled to take place in the Koue Bokkeveld region, near Cape Town, from February 4 to 7.
Under current South African Covid-19 lockdown restrictions and facing an uncertain near future, Dryland Event Management, the company that organises the Tankwa Trek, came to the decision on January 4 after extensive consultation with local officials and the event’s primary sponsors,
Momentum Medical Scheme and Biogen. The lockdown is in place until February 15, but there is no guarantee that it won’t be extended as official case numbers and hospitalisation numbers continue to rise. Under level three restrictions, no organised gatherings, including sports events, may take place.
The 2021 Tankwa Trek had reached its entry limit and Dryland had put in place all appropriate Covid-19 protocols for the event, based on Cycling South Africa’s guidelines. “We have been in contact with the local authorities in the Witzenberg and Breede Valley regions.
Unfortunately, the local hospitals are under severe strain. “It could mean sending a seriously injured rider to hospitals in the Cape Town area,” said Henco Rademeyer, managing director of Dryland Event Management. He said the area is also a key fruit-producing region of South Africa.
“The harvesting of the fruit will reach its peak over the next three months and any kind of spike in Covid-19 cases could place not only this industry but also the lives and livelihoods of many local residents at risk.
“Having a few hundred mountain bikers arrive for Tankwa Trek in a month’s time could well lead to the inadvertent transmission of the virus to the region. It really would be irresponsible of us to try and push ahead with the event on the planned 2021 dates,” added Rademeyer.
“While most of us are returning from a bit of a holiday break, we’ve been reminded of how important it is to spend our time making memories. Taking part in an event, while doing what you love, along with like-minded people, is an essential part of staying healthy, both mentally and physically.
“We share the frustration of not knowing what the future will bring, but we also know the importance and power of positivity.
“The financial impact is real, for us as organisers as well as everyone entering and taking part in our events. We want to help this industry to stay alive and encourage people to trust us with their entries while keeping the financial risks as low as possible for everyone. Entrants of the 2021 Tankwa Trek will have five options, which will be communicated to them directly,” added Rademeyer.
“While sports events are important and offer a valuable objective for many South Africans who are committed to the pursuit of health and fitness, the Covid-19 pandemic has reached a critical point and we undoubtedly must recognise and support that.
Carel Bosman, Momentum Medical Scheme’s lead sponsorships and events, said: “We agree with and support Dryland Event Management and Biogen that the best and most responsible option for all is to cancel the 2021 Tankwa Trek. “The health and safety of all South Africans is the primary focus during the pandemic. With the high numbers of Covid-19 cases, hospitalisations and deaths at present, it is the right and only decision to cancel the event.
Brandon Fairweather, general manager at Biogen, said: “We feel for the riders, but believe they will understand the position and take advantage of the generous options they will be offered by Dryland Event Management.”
More information about the event can be found at https://tankwatrek.co.za
