Montreal (AFP)
The 10th edition of the Transat Québec - Saint-Malo, whose departure was scheduled for July 12, has been canceled due to the coronavirus epidemic, organizers announced on Tuesday.
The management of the crewed race, which takes place every four years, hoped to be able to postpone the start to August, by committing to respecting the social distancing instructions for spectators. But the Quebec government has showered their hopes by banning all sports gatherings in Quebec until August 31.
"We are obviously very disappointed, first for the crews, we were preparing for a participation record this year," explained the general manager of the transat, Richard Samson, joined by AFP. "But public health comes first, the priority is to save lives."
The organizers are considering the possibility of postponing the race to 2021 or 2022.
"We analyze all the scenarios," says Samson. "From now on, everything will depend on the availability of runners and crews".
"When we get through this storm, we will all come together for a fresh start around the values of the sea," said Samson in the press release announcing the cancellation of the race.
© 2020 AFP