Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix cancelled

Health and wellbeing of Manx residents comes first, says Enterprise Minister

This year's Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix have been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly says the decision comes following extensive consultation with those involved in the races.

In a statement, Mr Skelly says priority has to be given to the health and wellbeing of Manx residents, along with the need to protect the health service.

He adds: "Despite the undoubted progress that the Isle of Man and the UK are making in rolling out its vaccination programme, the central issue of the availability of sufficient marshals, medics and other race officials to run the event safely and effectively remains.

"Once again we are making an early, but regrettable, decision to provide clarity and certainty to race officials, fans and sponsors, as well as the teams and competitors."

Peter Maddocks from the Manx Motor Cycle Club described the move as a 'huge disappointment', but adds that there was no real option but to cancel.

He continues: "The operational and logistical challenges caused by the pandemic haven't gone away yet and we have to be realistic as to whether we could confidently guarantee the availability of key personnel and officials needed to deliver the races. 

"The event requires a huge commitment from marshals and medical representatives, many of whom are volunteers, and it is a commitment that it may not have been possible for many of them to make this year."

It comes a day after government published its Covid-19 exit framework. The document shows border restrictions are likely to remain in place to some extent until September.

The event had been due to take place from 22 August to 3 September. It follows the cancellation of this year's TT, and yesterday's confirmation that the Southern 100 will not go ahead in July.