Lateral Events have announced the cancellation of this weekend's L'Étape Australia by Tour de France cycling event due to the inclement weather forecast across NSW.
The decision was made today following consultation with the relevant NSW Government Agencies and in agreement with Kiama Municipal Council, Shoalhaven City Council and Wingecarribee Shire Council,
Florent Malézieux, Head of Sport for Lateral Events said: "The safety of the participants, our staff and the local community is paramount to us. It appears very clear that it will be impossible to stage L'Étape Australia safely this weekend.
"Cancelling the only Tour de France event in Australia is a very difficult decision to make, but safety always comes first. I would like to thank all the NSW Government Agencies involved, and in particular the NSW Police Force and Transport for NSW, for their professional advice. I would also like to thank Kiama Municipal Council, Shoalhaven City Council and Wingecarribee Shire Council for their support".
Over the last 72 hours, the weather forecast for Kiama, the Shoalhaven and the Southern Highlands has consistently worsened. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts 90mm to 200mm of rain for the region on Saturday 20 March, making the course unsafe to deliver.
The event, initially scheduled for November 2020, had been postponed to this weekend. All participants will be advised of refund options as soon as practicable.
The next edition of L'Étape Australia is scheduled for early December 2021.
