TransRockies Inc. just announced that the 2021 Singletrack 6 is also being cancelled following the inaugural Gravel Royale being cancelled on the weekend. The British Columbia Government issued a new COVID-19 health mandate that states: “outdoor organized events will be limited to 100 people,” in the Interior Health Region going into effect today. Due to this development they have made the difficult decision to cancel both events.
The Singletrack 6 was scheduled to be in Fernie from September 6 to 8th for registration and two race stages before moving on to Kimberley and Rossland. The event would have filled Fernie’s hotels, shops and restaurants for three plus days.
Aaron McConnell, Transrockies President, commented, “On behalf of the entire TransRockies organization, please know that we did everything we could to try to make this event happen and we assure you that the best decision was made around this sudden change. The Public Health orders won’t allow events, small communities are once again being impacted by Covid, and we want to protect the safety of our staff and volunteers.”
Fernie has been hosting TransRockies bike events since 2002 and the event has been credited in helping Fernie become a bike destination. The funds raised for trails also helped fund the creation of the Fernie Trails Alliance. Dan Savage, Fernie events manager, commented, “It’s extremely disappointing to cancel the events so close to the start date. The amount of planning and commitment by both riders and supporters has become another casualty of the pandemic. We look forward to the events returning in 2022”
The Singletrack 6 Fernie stage sponsor was Gearhub Sports and the accommodation sponsors include; Park Place Lodge, Red Tree Lodge, Fernie Reservations, The Raging Elk Adventure Lodge, Snow Valley Accommodations, Fernie Lodging Company, Fernie Alpine Resort and the Fernie RV Resort. The City of Fernie, Fernie Trails Alliance, Coal Creek Heritage Society and Fernie Alpine Resort contributed to the local planning and permits. All of these organizations and members generous support helped bring the event to Fernie.
We look forward to the events happening next year and thank all the athletes and supporters for their understanding!