The L’Étape Australia cycling event, based in Kiama, has been postponed from 27-28 November 2020 to 19-20 March 2021, due to the escalation of the COVID-19 situation in Australia and ongoing restrictions on public gatherings to limit the spread of the virus.

Florent Malézieux, L’Étape Australia Race Director, says: “It is never an easy decision to make to postpone an event, but safety has always been paramount to us.

“As event organisers, we are also community members and we would like to thank all the front-line workers and the Government agencies who are working tirelessly to bring the pandemic under control.

“We are looking forward to bringing a taste of the Tour de France to Kiama, the Shoalhaven and the Southern Highlands on 19-20 March 2021”.

There was also uncertainty over the timing of repairs to Jamberoo Mountain Road, on the route of the Race, to take into consideration.

The event location, the routes and timings will remain the same for the March event. Riders already registered for the event are being automatically transferred to the new date. Riders unavailable at the new date can request transfer their registration to L’Étape Australia in December 2021 or November 2022, or a refund via the online form available on the event website.

The event was expected to contribute a significant economic boost to Kiama, the Shoalhaven and the Southern Highlands, in the wake of the bushfires and COVID.