Cycling event across Australia is officially cancelled following the death of Mike Hall, 35. British legend died last year near Canberra, the Australian capital, after a passing car hit him to death. The legend was participating at the Indian Pacific Wheel Race which started at Fremantle and finished near Sydney’s Opera House.
Race organizers stated earlier this week that the event which was initially set to start on March 17, is cancelled. Apparently, it won’t take place this year due to ‘potential outcomes’ of a possible upcoming inquest into the tragic death of legend Mike Hall.
“Given this situation, and as more information about the potential, outcomes of this process became clear only very recently, it is with an extremely heavy heart that we cancel the 2018 Indian Pacific Wheel Race with immediate effect,” said Jesse Carlsson, race director.
Remembering Mike Hall. https://t.co/ldRDqob8o6 #IPWR pic.twitter.com/k5FXIS8T19
— IPWR 2017 (@Indi_Pac) April 7, 2017
Only one years old…
2017 was the first year that the event was held requiring riders to cross a tremendous distance through a challenging and quite demanding route. It included Crossing the Nullarbor Plain and then passing through Adelaide, Melbourne and finally Canberra before heading to Sydney.
The long-distance route demanded cyclists to carry all their water, repair and food supplies with them since the race could potentially exceed to two weeks.
“The fact that this race has taken on a life of its own, strengthened the ultra-endurance cycling community. It created an unparalleled interest in what is largely a very solitary pursuit, is something of great pride,” Carrlsson said.
“It’s for this same reason that this decision is so hard to take. Knowing how many people this will upset and even anger. He said Hall was an “inspiration” to other riders. Revisit that and please channel any of the negative energy associated with the cancellation of the IPWR into something that Mike would be proud of. Live because you can.”
2/2 Riders will want to be alert when entering this area, don’t hug the shoulder, give yourself somewhere to bail to. #IPWR
— Mike Hall (@Normally_Human) March 26, 2017
