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Tour of Utah becomes latest big sporting event to be cancelled in wake of COVID-19 outbreak

FILE - In this Aug. 2, 2016, file photo, cyclists race along the scenic Byway 12 above the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument during the Tour Of Utah bike race. The U.S. government implemented final management plans Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020, for two national monuments in Utah that President Donald Trump downsized. The plans ensure lands previously off-limits to energy development will be open to mining and drilling despite pending lawsuits by conservation, tribal and paleontology groups challenging the constitutionality of the president's action. (Francisco Kjolseth/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, File)

Larry H. Miller Sports and Entertainment has decided to cancel the 2020 edition of the Tour of Utah cycling race scheduled for Aug. 3-9, the company announced Friday evening.

“With the best interests of our host communities, riders, cycling fans and partners at heart, the Tour of Utah is focusing on the health and safety of all its participants and has made the difficult decision not to hold its race this August,” Steve Miller, chairman of the Tour of Utah, said in a news release. “For the past 15 editions, this international cycling event has traveled the scenic byways of Utah, and we will miss gathering communities together to enjoy the race this year.”

The stage race was slated to go through Herriman, Pleasant Grove, Provo, Payson, Park City, Snowbird ski resort, and Ogden this year before its cancellation. Seventeen cycling teams from around the world were slated to participate in the race.

The Tour says that 2021 dates will be announced this autumn.

“The Tour of Utah has always been one of our marquee statewide sports events and is one of the most respected races in the cycling world,” Jeff Robbins, president and CEO of the Utah Sports Commission, said in the release. “With its international field of riders and worldwide digital and television reach, it is a wonderful showcase of the people and places in our state. We look forward to seeing the race return in 2021.”

Larry H. Miller Sports and Entertainment said the 2019 edition attracted 400,000 live spectators in the week of races, along with a reach of 400 million homes via international broadcast.

The affiliated “Ultimate Challenge” ride — which gave regular citizens a chance to cycle one of the pro stages — was also canceled.