Bowral Classic called off due to ‘mind boggling human error’
Nearly 3000 riders were ready to compete in the Bowral Classic early this morning when traffic control workers allegedly failed to show up, leading to its cancellation.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
“Mind boggling human error” has been blamed for a major NSW cycling event’s cancellation at the eleventh hour after traffic control workers allegedly failed to turn up for the race.
About 3000 riders were ready to compete in the Bowral Classic in the early hours of Sunday, when workers from traffic management company Altus Traffic, understood to be contracted for the event, were a no show at the race site.
The traffic company had been contracted to close off roads and organise more than 100 traffic marshals set to guide the 150km, 120km, and 85km events, with organisers pulling the pin on the event at 5am, just 90 minutes before it began.
“Due to the non-arrival of the traffic management contractor, and with rider safety our top priority, police advised we were unable to proceed with the 2024 Bowral Classic,” organisers The Cycling Classics wrote in a statement.
“We sincerely apologise and acknowledge this has enormous impact on riders and their families … to say we are devastated doesn’t even cut the surface.”
The cycle courses were supposed to pass through several towns including Moss Vale, Sutton Forrest, Bundanoon, and Kangaloon, taking up large stretches of the Old Hume Highway and Nowra road.
In a follow-up statement, organisers claimed on social media that traffic control staff had failed to show up because of “mind-boggling human error”.
“Our traffic management contractor has told us there was a date stuff up,” organisers wrote on social media.
“Given the reams of communications and approvals necessary, we are shaking our heads in disbelief. Suffice it to say we aren’t letting the matter rest there.”
“This stuff up will be one for the record books and trust us when we say – it will not happen again.”
Organisers have told riders that they will be refunded their registration fee.
The Bowral Classic organisers and Altus Traffic have been approached for comment.
Competitors took to Facebook to express their anger.
“Did no one check this week that everything was right to go?” one wrote.
“How can a company just not show up? There must be more to this than just not turning up.”
“What rubbish … Shame so many of us are hundreds of dollars out of pocket with no chance of getting any of it back,” another wrote.
More Coverage
Originally published as Bowral Classic called off due to ‘mind boggling human error’
Tragic twist in triple-drowning of mother and two kids
The deaths of a mum and her two children on the Georges River are being treated as a suspected murder suicide.
Blue hues rein for fashionistas at The Everest
Racing may be the sport of kings but it was the style queens who dazzled at Royal Randwick with racegoers celebrating in their sartorial top-to-toe best. See the pictures.