The 2020 UniSA Australian Human Powered Vehicle Super Series has been cancelled as a result of the impact and limitations imposed by COVID-19.
To date, the first three rounds of the Series in Mount Gambier, Loxton and Adelaide, have been cancelled, and subsequently so too was the Busselton event. The Board had sought to implement two modified events in August and September, however the ongoing challenges and circumstances due to COVID-19 have resulted in the Board making the decision to cancel the remainder of the Series for 2020.
“To say we are disappointed is an understatement,” summarised Chairman Andrew McLachlan. “We have worked vigorously to find ways to safely and responsibly hold events in a very difficult time. The Board has come to this decision with a heavy heart, but it is the right decision, a responsible decision. The safety of competitors, teams and our community remains paramount.” he concluded.
While South Australia has positioned itself well in terms of controlling the threat, recent events in Victoria have shown just how virulent the threat still is. Mass gatherings remain a substantial concern.
Over the course of the past four and a half months, the organisation has, while working within guidelines and restrictions, endeavoured to bring rounds of the UniSA AHPVSS to fruition. Given the nature of the Series’ events, they fall into the “very high risk” category and as such require a COVID-19 Management Plan. This plan has yet to be produced by the state government, resulting in ongoing uncertainty and ever reducing time.
As a backdrop to these circumstances, of great importance to the Board was the desire to provide entrant refunds where possible. This further impacted upon the ability to host events, as fixed event costs were becoming a greater proportion of running costs limiting viability and therefore the organisation’s refund capacity. This has been compounded by the continuing closure of Victorian borders likely to result in lower entrant numbers.
“2020 will go down as an extraordinary time. I lament the disappointment endured across our entire community in not being able to enjoy and benefit from actively participating in our wonderful sport this year. It is however timely to remind ourselves of the difficulty and challenges far greater than ours many around the world are suffering right now,” stated McLachlan. “Our resolve, energies and commitment will now turn to making the 2021 UniSA Australian HPV Super Series very special.”
