The Portuguese Sports Federation announced on Thursday that cycling events will be banned on public roads between July 24 and August 8, due to the observance of World Youth Day (WYD) in Portugal.
“The Portuguese Cycling Federation (FPC) has been informed by the Traffic and Road Safety Department of the National Republican Guard that it will not be possible to hold bicycle races on public roads between July 24 and August 8, due to the realization, in Portugal, of the WYD,” reads on the website. for a velocipedic organization.
Portugal will host the 16th edition of the WYD, which is considered the largest event of the Catholic Church, between August 1 and 6, after being postponed for a year due to the covid-19 epidemic, with about 1.5 million expected. people at festivities.
«This event, due to its international nature and dimensions, will bring thousands of pilgrims from all over the world to Portugal, which will lead to a significant increase in traffic on all road axes, which foresees significant restrictions on road traffic. The event in question will require an exceptional commitment from the GNR, so that, during its course, it will not be possible to ensure police monitoring of the cycling events scheduled for this period, ”according to the FPC.
For this reason, the women’s tour in Portugal, which was scheduled for these days, has been rescheduled for the period between 13 and 17 September.
The Sports Authority concluded, “The FPC will coordinate with the organizers of other affected races, in order to reformulate the calendars, and endeavor to ensure that the new dates that may be found ensure consistency and sporting significance for all races.”
