IOWA CITY, Iowa - A major Iowa cycling race is now delayed until next year.
Organizers of the Jingle Cross in Iowa City announced Thursday evening that its Cycling Festival scheduled for October 9-11 is now postponed until 2021 over COVID-19 concerns
"The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for sporting events of all kinds this year," said a statement from Jingle Cross. "Cycling is no exception. "Our athletes, sponsors, spectators, and guests’ safety and well-being have always been our highest priority."
The group is now focused on relocating a canceled race in Chicago to Iowa City. The Cyclocross National Championships, organized by USA Cycling, will take place in Iowa City in December if conditions allow.
The statement from Jingle Cross says "Conditions of the pandemic will ultimately dictate if this event can occur."
The City of Iowa City and USA Cycling reached an agreement to relocate the Cyclocross National Championships to the same Jingle Cross racecourse at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Jingle Cross organizers say they assisted with logistical and operational aspects of those negotiations.
Cyclo-cross is a form of bicycle racing that take place in the fall and winter on short courses featuring pavement, grass, hills and obstacles.
(Image courtesy of Jingle Cross)