Goulburn cyclists have packed their bikes away for the time being, after Cycling NSW announced the suspension of all competition until the end of April.
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The announcement came in response to the COVID-19 epidemic, which has caused similar postponements in nearly every sport played locally, nationally, and internationally.
The Goulburn Cycle Club confirmed in an email to the Post that the new measure saw the rest of its summer season cancelled, effective immediately.
In a Facebook post, club road race manager Chris Berry also said the winter program had not been approved due to the coronavirus shutdown, but promised to keep members updated once it was.
"The Club has no choice but to follow the directive from Cycling NSW," Berry said. "To conduct any racing contrary to the directive would invalidate our insurance cover.
"Cycling NSW will review its current position on a rolling basis with the possibility of extending it depending on the circumstances."
Along with all club-sanctioned events, group rides were recently prohibited by the federal government in a further effort to combat the pandemic.
It was part of the government's move to ban any public gatherings of more than two people, with the exception of household members.
This, Cycling NSW said in a statement, means "outdoor riding with more than one other person is officially banned in NSW, except with members of your household.
"It also means you can only ride outdoors for the purpose of exercise, getting medical care, or going to and from the shops, work or your place of education."
The new measures come only a week after Cycling NSW strongly recommended against group rides.
The organisation beseeched its members to follow the new rules set down in the face of the virus.
"We call on all cyclists to act responsibly at this time," it said.
"Although we would all like to enjoy a group ride with our friends, please set a good example and act in the interests of the wider community."
Cycling NSW CEO, Graham Seers, also released a statement expressing sympathy for riders impacted by the cancellation, but said in such times it is "appropriate for sport to take a backseat and allow community health to take priority".
He urged Cycling NSW members to seek the positives from the current situation.
"This momentary pause will give us the opportunity to reassess, refresh and, if you like, reinvent cycling in NSW," Seers said.
"We will do everything we can to make sure that when bike racing returns, it'll be more exciting and rewarding than ever."
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