An article on NOLA.com reports that the Tour de
Louisiane, a bicycle stage race that covers two days and three parishes with
typically around 150 riders, is being postponed, with hopes to reschedule in mid-September.
Under normal circumstances, the race would be held the first weekend in June,
but like many other events, it has had to be delayed due to concerns regarding
the spread of the coronavirus.
One of the more challenging bicycle races in the region, the
Tour de Louisiane consists of teams of cyclists who compete in three different
stages: a road race in Washington Parish, a time trial on LA-1088, and a
criterium race held in Covington.
Because of the nature of the race, organizers are opting not
to hold the event virtually. Race Director Randy Legeai said, "It's a
three-stage traditional stage race, where it is cumulative time, and there are
team tactics involved. So, it would be a totally different thing if we tried to
do it virtually. There have been some virtual events, but I don't think it is a
good option for a stage race."
This would be the Tour de Louisiane's 49th year, and while
the event has not been cancelled, no decision has been made as of yet to
determine whether the race will move forward at a later date. Legeai has said that
he is focused on safety concerns, hoping that the number of confirmed cases of
COVID-19 continues to trend downward.
