British racing is cancelled for the forseeable future until the local fish and farm beaurocrats say so.

That’s the raw bones of the latest statement from the BCF;

“the British Cycling Federation (BCF) will be asking Road Race, Circuit Race, Cycle-Speedway, Track Race and BMX organisers to cancel or postpone all events, unless they receive explicit approval to run their event from their local Animal Health Office.

MAFF have advised that the 23 Animal Health Offices nation-wide are able to give up-to-date, informed advice on whether an event can be held or not. For the foreseeable future, promoters and organisers of BCF events, in the disciplines listed above, must assume that their events cannot go ahead unless they receive clear approval from their local Animal Health Office.”

They continue to say that MAFF hav advised them to, “ask all cyclists to avoid trips to the countryside in any form (on foot, on bike or by car) wherever possible, even if the intended journey is restricted to roads.”

With hourly news updates of more races (ERMA series openers are the latest) and sites such as Hayle duel course closing, all we can say if there are any races or events that look like they’ll be going ahead, can the organisers please get in touch, and we’ll let everyone know. Expect a lot more people to turn up than you expected though!

Those of you – like the NACC – who are thinking of hading abroad should also note that tyres must be disinfected before they are taken out of the country or you face a £5000 fine or 3 month jail term. Full details on the MAFF website.

On an upbeat note, Raleigh have managed to find £50,000 to bung into the Youth development kitty. The Nottingham based firm provided extensive support for BCF Development initiatives during 2000, including the loan of 40 bikes for the Federation’s use at the final of the Youth Millennium Games in Southampton.

Now Raleigh are to provide a hugely increased level of support which will be targeted at the Federation’s Challenge competition and the Get Set award scheme. Challenge is run nation-wide and is the first taste of competitive cycling for many young riders. Culminating in regional finals, Challenge gives its winning riders a chance to train with World Class Performance athletes.

Get Set is a skills and awards scheme aimed at providing clubs, schools and other groups with a safe and structure range of cycling activities, which can be delivered in a school yard or even a sports hall.

Let’s just hope they’ll have some races to compete in before they become veterans.