Despite the recent devastating events in Japan – and the ongoing dangers posed by the situation at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant – the UCI has made it clear that they intend to continue with plans to hold the 2011 Indoor Cycling World Championships in the country between November 4 and 6. In a press release they say: “This decision was taken after a thorough evaluation of the situation, in close cooperation with the Japanese authorities. Mr Hiroyuki Mori, Mayor of Kagoshima and President of the Organising Committee, gave assurances that the current events have had no negative impact on the region which, as a result, is ready to host the World Championships in November…”
In his letter to the participating nations Hiroyuki Mori says: “I would like to express my gratitude to those who have showed their support and compassion towards the massive earthquake that hit Japan.” Adding, “Kagoshima City, where (the) 2011 World Championships Indoor Cycling is being held is located about1,200 km in south and has not (been) influenced by the nuclear accident at Fukushima nuclear plant caused by the earthquake and tsunami…I hope that the World Championships will bring courage and strength to the people in Japan and to reconstruct the nation.”
However the UCI has stated that it intends to continue monitoring the situation and will take whatever action is called for in light of further developments.