MXGP Oss: Netherlands GP faces possible cancellation [updated]
By Andrew Hill on 12th Jul 21
Last updated:
The latest updates can be found at the end of the story...
At the 11th hour, MXGP Oss has been thrown into doubt by the Netherlands government. A raft of new restrictions recently announced are now in force, and they pose a big problem for the Netherlands GP, which is due to be staged July 17-18.
Hopefully, organisers have already overcome the issues by the time you're reading this, and the MXGP of the Netherlands is all systems go. We will, of course, keep this page updated with any new developments for the Oss MXGP round.
Here we unpick what the unfortunate organisers of the MXGP of the Netherlands are contending with, just days before the gates drop.
On the evening of Friday, July 9, the Dutch government announced a new package of measures, predominately aimed at the hospitality and events sectors. The new guidance seeks to control a significant surge in coronavirus infections in the country.
It's the first set of stricter coronavirus restrictions brought in by the government in nearly a half-year.
Infection rates in the Netherlands have increased much faster than expected since the reopening of society on June 26, with nearly 7,000 infections reported in the country on July 9. That's seven times the amount a week ago.
Here are two coronavirus restrictions that impact MXGP Oss:
- Cultural venues may remain open provided all visitors have assigned seats that are placed 1.5 metres apart. This also applies to visitors to events and spectators at professional sports competitions and other sports and youth activities.
- Organisers may participate in the coronavirus entry pass scheme to admit greater numbers of people. In that case, everyone must still have an assigned seat and up to two-thirds of the available capacity can be used.
A statement released by the organisers states that they are looking at ways to comply with this rule.
"Various plans are being investigated, for example, the possibility to create seats along the circuit," it said.
These new rules are a considerable challenge to have thrown at an organiser so close to the event. There will be all sorts of considerations, including safety, and they will need to be signed off.
"In the end we also depend on a review and approval of our plans by the authorities and the organisation of the world championship," the statement added.
However, MXGP Oss hasn't simply thrown in the towel. "The organisation of MXGP Oss will do everything in its power to make the event go ahead," they said.
One crucial point that the organiser hasn't addressed publicly is this rule: "Events may last no longer than 24 hours."
As this is not a flyaway round, there are support classes that should race on Saturday.
In addition, there's this: "Multi-day events with an overnight stay are not allowed.
It's a nightmare for the organising team and for Infront Moto Racing. And with travel to the event due to start shortly, time is not on their side.
The organisers of the MXGP Netherlands round have been overwhelmed with queries from industry and fans since the Dutch government made their announcement. So they have asked to give them time, and they will make a further announcement soon.
Although the first three rounds of the 2021 FIM Motocross World Championship have gone relatively smoothly, we think it's fair to say that most people involved with the sport had some reservations that the entire season would go ahead without any disruption to the published schedule.
Severe disruption just hours ahead of an MXGP round, however, is a different matter altogether.
Even if the MXGP in Oss isn't cancelled, it's a stark reminder of the fragility of all sporting calendars in 2021.
Update July 12, 19:40 BST: A statement from the MXGP Osss organisers has confirmed that the MXGP of the Netherlands will go ahead. The press release is below.
"Following last Friday's government press conference, intensive discussions were held by Ebert Dollevoet with the municipality of Oss and Infront Moto Racing.
"We are very happy to announce: The MXGP in Oss scheduled for the coming weekend (July 17th and 18th) at the Witte Ruysheuvel in Oss continues!
"The event allows the public to attend. The spectators are given a fixed seat along the track to be able to watch the spectacle, the organisation of MXGP Oss provides enough chairs. EMX classes will be run on Saturday, the MXGP classes on Sunday.
"To visit the event, it remains necessary to hold a corona admission ticket / QR code. The government has tightened up a number of rules last week, more information can be found on MXGP Oss website.
"For more questions about the corona admission ticket, the organisation will refer to Testing for Access: 088-7770809 / www.testenvoortoegang.org.
"From the entrance you will walk through the Paddock to be able to view it, during the race the Paddock will remain closed to the public. The catering facilities and toilets are open, the organisation is still in discussion about the possibilities of the entertainment program (VIP and circuit).
"The campsite is also accessible (this is not part of the site), more information can be found via mxgposs.nl/camping. The organisation will inform the buyers of a camping ticket even more about the course of events in the coming days.
"The biggest motocross competition to be played in the Netherlands this year continues! There are still a few tickets available.
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