Wels, Austria – March 18, 2020 — Due to the global Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, the opening round of the 2020 WESS Enduro World Championship, Extreme XL Lagares in Portugal, has been postponed.
WESS Promotion GmbH in consultation with Extreme XL Lagares event organisers have taken the difficult decision of not proceeding with the race at this time.
The safety of competitors, spectators, staff and those living in and around Porto is of the upmost importance.
Extreme XL Lagares and the WESS Enduro World Championship support the fight against COVID-19 by not staging the event on May 8-10, as originally planned.
A provisional date in October is now being prepared for Extreme XL Lagares.
Winfried Kerschhaggl – WESS Enduro World Championship Series Manager: “No matter how disappointing this decision is for all involved in the WESS Enduro World Championship and Extreme XL Lagares, clearly the impact Coronavirus is having around the world is incredibly distressing and far more important. As such, it goes without saying that doing the right thing is all that matters. Playing our part to curb this virus is the most important thing we can do. The safety of everyone in the wider northern Portugal area, our competitors, spectators and staff must be put first. Like everyone, we are constantly monitoring the situation and are seeking as much professional advice as possible.”
Paulo Moreira Melicia – Extreme XL Lagares: “Postponing Extreme XL Lagares is a difficult decision to make, but the right one at this time. Public health and safety must always come before the enjoyment of racing. Despite the situation we are all facing, our passion has not faltered and therefore we will put all of our energy into hosting a spectacular event in October.”
Round 2 Cancelled
Round two of the 2020 WESS Enduro World Championship, Trèfle Lozérien AMV in France, is cancelled due to coronavirus COVID-19.
With France one of the many countries dealing with the fallout of COVID-19, event organisers Motor Club Lozère were left with no alternative but to cancel the Trèfle Lozérien AMV for 2020.
Long regarded as France’s most-prestigious Classic Enduro, Mende and its surrounding countryside were busily preparing to host what would have been the 34th edition of the race.
Exhausting all possibilities of securing an alternative date in September, it was with regret that a suitable option could be found.
In 2019, Spain’s Josep Garcia (KTM) became the first international rider to win the Trèfle Lozérien AMV since it first began in 1986.
WESS Promotion GmbH wish all those affected by COVID-19 in the Mende region well and to remain safe and healthy during this difficult time.
WESS Promotion GmbH are in daily contact with all WESS Enduro World Championship event organisers and are monitoring the situation regards any further possible disruption to the current schedule.
