Australia's 2020 Track National Championships – which were originally scheduled for March, but were postponed until September due to the coronavirus pandemic – have been pushed back once more to December, due to continuing uncertainty about COVID-19 restrictions, Cycling Australia (CA) have announced.
"In considering the decision, CA consulted with state governments, medical experts and our member states, to ensure that the championships operate in a manner that is accessible, fair and safe for all participants, officials and local communities," a statement from Australia's national federation read on Monday.
Specifically, it is the elite, under-19 and para-track national championships that are affected by the decision, with the elite and U19 competitions now planned to take place from December 16-20, with the para-track events running from December 18-20. All events will take place at the Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane, Queensland.
"As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve across Australia, this decision aims to ensure that CA operates a safe and fair championships for all," said Kipp Kaufmann, Cycling Australia's General Manager-Sport.
"We will continue to work with governments and local authorities to do everything we can to see the championships go forward."
Queensland's Tourism Minister, Kate Jones, added: "Major events like this pump thousands of dollars back into the local businesses, support local jobs and help to rebuild our economy.
"Because Queenslanders have done such a great job in fighting COVID-19, we can now welcome tourists back to our state," she said. "This event will deliver a great boost for local businesses at a time when everyone is doing it tough."
