The 2020 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship off-road triathlon scheduled for March 28 in Taiwan has been cancelled due to health and travel concerns related to the coronavirus.
“The health and safety of our participants is our primary concern thus it was imperative to remove the risks associated with international travel for those athletes coming from outside of Taiwan and the local community as well,” said XTERRA World Tour President Janet Clark. “We greatly appreciate the understanding and support from our sponsors and partners, and for all the efforts of our crew who were ready to host an incredible event for athletes from around the world.”
International participants, which account for roughly half of the sold-out field, will receive a full refund on registration fees or can choose to roll-over their entry into next year’s event scheduled for March 27, 2021.
As a result of the cancellation, the 2020 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Tour rules were modified for both amateurs and elites (find details here).
The XTERRA Taiwan off-road triathlon, duathlon, and trail running events will continue as planned on the weekend of March 28-29, 2020 for Taiwan-based participants only. To best protect the local community from Coronavirus, visitors from off-island will not be allowed to participate.
Local athletes who do not wish to race due to the circumstances are also eligible for a full refund or can roll-over their entry into the 2021 event. All participants will receive an email with instructions to request roll-over or refund by March 1. No action is required of locals who wish to race. The locals-only event will award qualifying spots into the 2020 XTERRA World Championship race as originally detailed.
“We’ve seen this event grow from strength to strength since its debut in 2018 and are confident we’ll return in grand fashion next year,” said Clark. “It’s an epic adventure destination, the course and facilities are world-class, and the hosts are warm and welcoming. I encourage the XTERRA Tribe to add it to their bucket list and join us for the celebration next year.”
Of note, the first episode of the 2020 XTERRA Adventures television series scheduled to be filmed on location in conjunction with the event will continue as planned and strive to showcase the beauty, culture, and abundance of outdoor adventures opportunities available in Taiwan.
For further information contact info@xterrataiwan.com.