In response to the ongoing nature of the global COVID-19 pandemic, AusCycling (AC) is updating its position on international competition activities. Last Update 12 February 2021.
Consideration has been given to a range of factors including, but not limited to, the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on:
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises a ban on overseas travel from Australia. Australian citizens cannot leave Australia without an exemption from DFAT. Additionally, with the cap on international arrivals and limited quarantine places in each state and territory, athletes and staff face the risk of being overseas for extended periods.
As such, AusCycling will not be conducting national team campaigns or projects outside of Australia before 31 August 2021 with the following possible exceptions:
With regards specifically to the upcoming 2021 UCI World Championships:
AusCycling will not send Junior U19 National teams to any 2021 UCI World Championship but will conduct alternative development activities for selected athletes across BMX, MTB and Road. As announced in February, AusCycling would not be sending a National Junior U19 Track team to the 2021 World Championships, and an alternative activity was held for selected athletes in April.
2021 UCI BMX Race World Championships(including BMX Challenge Classes): AusCycling will not send a National team from Australia. Elite category riders will be considered for individual participation. No endorsements will be provided for athletes to enter the Challenge classes.
2021 UCI MTB World ChampionshipsAusCycling will not send a National team from Australia. Riders registered to UCI MTB teams will be considered for individual participation.
All riders approved for Individual entry must sign the AusCycling Overseas or Competition Travel Informed Consent Form.
With regards specifically to MTB World Cups:
AusCycling will not enter Junior riders in UCI World Cup events over which it has entry jurisdiction between now and 31 August 2021 with the exception of riders who are residentially based overseas.
Any Junior rider meeting the above exception and all other U23 (XCO) and Elite riders (XCO and DHI) requiring individual World Cup entries (riders with the required UCI ranking points) must sign the AusCycling Overseas or Competition Travel Informed Consent Form. Additionally, U23 and Elite riders requiring a federation entry (riders without the required UCI rankings points) must be approved by the AusCycling Sport Manager MTB. Approved riders may request a letter of support for travel exemption.
Approval will be based on:
AusCycling will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates when required.