April 15/20 8:29 am - 2020 Tour de l'Abitibi Cancelled

Posted by Editoress on 04/15/20
 

For the first time since it began in 1969, the Tour de l'Abitibi will not take place - the Tour de la Relève will also not take place. Following the announcement by the Quebec government on plans to restrict sporting and cultural events until at least August 31st, organizers have released a statement:

Following the announcement of the Government of Quebec regarding the cancellation of public cultural events in the province until August 31st, and the details issued by the Minister of Education and of Higher Education for busy sporting events, the board of directors of the Tour cycliste de l'Abitibi have decided to cancel the 2020 edition. The event was to be held from July 13 to 19 in Rouyn-Noranda. This is an exceptional situation because, since its creation in 1969, the Tour de l'Abitibi has never been canceled.

Our organizational concept, where club athletes compete on the same courses as the international elite makes the Tour de l'Abitibi one of the biggest pelotons on the Nations' Cup circuit. The sports center where riders and team members live together under one roof is one of the main attractions of the event and a unique experience for athletes, though this premise is unfortunately incompatible with current social distancing guidelines.

The Tour de l'Abitibi, which welcomes athletes from all over the world, brings together some 200 participants and more than 450 volunteers each year. The safety of riders, team members and volunteers will always be paramount for the organization and in accordance with this, we have no choice but to cancel the next edition of the Tour de l'Abitibi.

We would like to thank the city of Rouyn-Noranda, host city in 2020, as well as the cities that were to host a passage of the Tour de l'Abitibi, for their unwavering support. The collaboration of municipal services and access to infrastructures are necessary for the realization of such an event and the exceptional hospitality provided by the Témiscabitibiens contributes to the distinction of the Tour de l'Abitibi internationally.

We also thank the teams who have expressed their interest in participating this year, the members of the organizing committee who had already taken actions for the organization of this edition, and all our precious partners. Again this year, we have seen their loyal commitment to promoting cycling at a high-level and promoting the region of Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

Like the Tour de l'Abitibi / Nations' Cup, the 22nd edition of the Tour de la Relève is canceled. A return planned for 2021.

We are determined to continue organizing the Tour de l'Abitibi in 2021, and we are confident that volunteers, cities and partners will be there to make this edition a success. The host city of the event in 2021 will be announced in the coming months.