CYCLING NEWS: COVID-19 PUTS BRAKES ON START OF BICYCLE RACING SEASON

A Message to Queen City Wheels Members and the Greater Cincinnati Bike Racing Community About QCW Events in 2020

CYCLING NEWS: Rob Westendorf, President, QCW (Edited for Loveland Beacon by Chuck Gibson) 

CINCINNATI CYCLING COMMUNITY (April 25, 2020) – The COVID-19 outbreak has brought the bike racing world to a total stop.

There is still great uncertainty going forward, but we want to provide an update regarding plans for Queen City Wheels events this year. Queen City Wheels was the first racing club founded in Cincinnati. Since its beginning in 1972, QCW has remained the largest racing club in Cincinnati. The club is an affiliate of USA Cycling, the governing body for amateur, professional and Olympic cycling in the United States.

The Cleves Time Trial was due to start next week. That will not happen. We cannot currently say when it might start, but a practical target is once the state of Ohio allows gatherings of up to 50 people. Even then, there will likely be changes in procedures; including the probability race participants will have to make a reservation to ride, to ensure we stay under our maximum crowd size.

Unfortunately, it is likely the Ault Park Series will not take place this year. The Cincinnati Park Board has canceled all Ault Park events through the rest of the year. Barring some major change, we don’t anticpate the Parks department making any allowance for bike racing.

The Whiskey City Criterium is still planned for July 27^th. Assuming circumstances allow the race to be held safely, the City of Lawrenceburg is eager to hold public events, and this QCW is among their biggest.

The Harbin Park Cyclocross Weekend, September 26-27, is still expected to run as scheduled. Note: we are expanding to two days this year! Saturday will be a stand-alone race, and Sunday will remain a part of the Ohio Valley Cyclocross Series. 

There is concern over indications a number of cancelled road events intend to take the Harbin Cyclocross dates away from QCW.  The club intends to vigorously oppose that. Ultimately USA Cycling has the power to decide based on who was issued the permits.

This situation is unprecedented in our lifetime. There is no history to guide us. Queen City Wheels will make decisions to hold events based on the guidelines and rules set forth by government and the best advice from relevant authorities; including USA Cycling. Please continue to monitor QCW communications. We will do our best to provide meaningful updates as the situation evolves. Stay safe!

It is the expressed hope of Queen City Wheels racing club to help all members reach their competitive cycling goals.  The QCW youth programs help teenagers and children find the joy in racing a bicycle while our racing teams help support the developing rider and seasoned veteran alike.

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