HEMICUDA Rally: Ministers decide to suspend all Amateur Events due to Covid pandemic.
In line with Belgian’s Prime Minister's announcements of this morning, all related to the worrying covid-19 pandemic in Belgium, Autostal Hemicuda is forced to cancel the Hemicuda Rally of Sunday October 25th.
"Of course, on the eve of our Event, this is an enormous disappointment", confirms Jan Verschaeve, Clerk of the Course. "When we made the decision to organize the Event, already months ago, we knew there would be a lot of risks on our path. Up until the very last minute, we adapted our plans and were even ready to organize the Event without any spectators, in line with this morning’s Government decisions and with the agreement of local authorities. What we did however not count on, is that - given the participation of some professionals, given the tight national security protocol and given the many national security procedures we have to comply to – the Event would still be categorized as an "amateur Event". The Government decided that Professional events can take place (without spectators), amateur events are to be postponed. The exact definition of what should be legally understood as "professional event" versus "amateur event" came only late afternoon. The discusstion about this legal terminology, with the Minstry of Sports, is the reason why we could not communicate earlier".
The entry list was impressive this year, never before had so many World Class teams been at the start of a Belgian Rally. "Of course in function and as a test for the Ypres Rally, but it would have been an unforgettable 20th edition for us and a reward for the enormous work that has been done in the recent weeks and months" dixit Verschaeve.
"I would like to thank the majors of the municipalities involved, the governor of West-Vlaanderen and the motorsport federations (VAS and RACB Sport) for their trust and support until the very last minute. Thanks also to the many volunteers, stewards, covid-stewards, the sponsors and the 150 teams who were ready to enjoy a beautiful rally-weekend".
To everyone: stay safe, and on to 2021 for us.
In alignment with the general conditions, spectators who bought a ticket will get it payed back.
