After being postponed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Twilight Criterium has officially been canceled.
Originally scheduled for Apr. 25, the popular downtown bike race was moved to Sept. 19 in March. But now, it won’t happen at all.
According to Event Director Ashley Travieso:
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and with heavy hearts, it is imperative to cancel the 2020 Athens Orthopedic Clinic Twilight Criterium presented by Terrapin Beer Co, which had been postponed from the Spring to September 18-19. Our responsibility to the community we call home weighed heavily in this decision.
Approximately sixty days out from the event, there is still so much uncertainty. Along with the rising number of cases locally and considerations for the regional, national, and international spectators and athletes the event draws, financial and medical consideration were also taken into account. The amount of pivoting to ensure a safe event for all that attended created an AOC Twilight that was stripped of components that make the event so special. Participants will have several options regarding their entry fee and should check their email in the coming days for more information.
Now, we shift our energy and focus towards a traditional Spring event in 2021, tentatively scheduled for April 30 – May 1, for the 41st running of the Athens Orthopedic Clinic Twilight Criterium! We are extremely thankful for the support of all of our partners, participants, staff, and volunteers and look forward to building an even better event for 2021.
While this is disappointing, it’s also pretty clear that in two months it still won’t be a good idea for tens of thousands of people to pack onto sidewalks and into bars for hours and hours at a time. Let’s hope things are better next April.
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