Further changes to the Covid-19 Restrictions in both jurisdictions will take place over the coming weeks.

The main changes in the North are the removal of the cap of 15 for training and 100 for the competition from 24th May. This has been replaced with a limit of 500 people. Cycling events will return from 7th June in Cavan, Donegal, and Monaghan with a limit of 100 recommended. A full statement of Cycling Ireland on the upcoming changes can be seen below. Return of Cycling Events from the 7th June 2021!! Please find below information and enclosed guidance in relation to the return of cycling events within the Republic of Ireland from June 7th. Cycling Ireland guidance is derived from that of Sport Ireland and the Return to Sports Expert Group.The key principle is the avoidance in any instance of a congregation of more than 100 people before, during, or after cycling events.

Guidance for Event Organisers
The initial return starting number of 100 is recommended. This number of 100 includes participants, officials and essential support personnel. The number excludes officials and essential support personnel involved in pre-event delivery or located on sections of the course away from the main congregation.
It may be possible for event organisers to facilitate larger numbers of overall participants through the use of waves/pods and separate sign on/parking areas. The key principle of the avoidance in any instance of a congregation of more than 100 people in one area before, during or after an event must be upheld.
Events should take place without spectators and in adherence with Cycling Ireland Covid-19 Event Protocols. Mitigation measures include online registration, sanitising dispensers, no organised food stops or prize-giving, and health self-assessment prior to the event.
Use of Waves/Pods
Should an event wish to implement waves/pods a sufficient time gap should be in place to guarantee that at no time would gatherings of more than 100 people take place. The time gap required will vary between disciplines and events however event organisers should take a cautious approach with clearly distinct waves.
Clear guidance must be issued to participants regarding their wave start time. Leisure events/sportives should segregate participants by estimated average speed and set the fastest wave off first. A minimum time gap of 15 minutes is recommended. The time gap will need to increase if there is the risk of a congregation of more than 100 people before, during or after the event.
Competitive Road/Track/BMX/Off-Road events may split into separate early morning, late morning, and afternoon events in order to comply with the guidelines.
Event Organiser Workshop
Cycling Ireland will host Zoom workshops for those who are running events from June 7th to July 7th to assist event organisers in running Covid-19 compliant events. There will be opportunities to submit questions in advance or during the workshop and learn from others who previously hosted events successfully.
Workshop 1: Leisure Events
Wednesday, 26th May – 5:45 pm (45mins)
Workshop 2: BMX/Track/Off-Road Events
Wednesday, 26th May – 6:45 pm (45mins)
Workshop 3: Competitive Road Events
Thursday, 27th May – 5:45 pm (45mins)
Register on https://eventmaster.ie/event/7QvRhyeFdv
Working Examples
Competitive Road Race: Racing may be split into separate early morning, late morning, and afternoon events in order to comply with the guidelines.
Leisure Sportives: A distinct gap should be in place between waves to avoid a congregation of more than 100 people before, during or after the event. Depending on the route and facilities available (separate wave parking/start line/finish line for example) a time gap of 15 minutes or more may be sufficient between waves. Estimated average speed should be used to seed participants with the fastest wave set off first. As per Cycling Ireland’s Covid-19 Event Protocols, there can be no organised food stops on route.
Track/BMX: Racing may be split into separate early morning, late morning, and afternoon events in order to comply with the guidelines.
Off-Road: Racing may be split into separate early morning, late morning, and afternoon events in order to comply with the guidelines. Certain leisure/sportive style off-road events such as long-distance gravel rides may implement wave starts provided sufficient time gaps are in place (see Leisure Sportives). In certain limited circumstances, a small increase in participant numbers may be granted in order to run a meaningful National level or closed circuit/self-contained event. Prior approval is required from Cycling Ireland. Contact garry.nugent@cyclingireland.ie.
http://www.cyclingireland.ie/page/events/covid-19 for Cycling Ireland Covid-19 Event Protocols.
Northern Ireland Events
The Northern Ireland Executive recently announced a further easing of restrictions from May 24th. The welcome news for members includes the removal of the limit of 15 people for outdoor training sessions and an increase to 500 people for sports events such as sportives, leisure cycles, and racing.
http://www.cyclingireland.ie/cycling-news-item/500-participants-allowed-at-ni-events/29732 for more information.