One of the most powerful hurricanes in years to strike Mexico made landfall on the eastern gulf coast early Saturday with 125 mph winds that battered buildings and scored a direct hit on Gran Fondo Paso de Cortes planned for 22 August, forcing the organiser to postpone due to safety concerns.

“We write to you with all respect, to communicate that derived from the weather contingencies, which have been manifested from the day of today, by the magnitude that “HURRICANE GRACE” has raised, that Gran Fondo Paso de Cortes on 22 August is cancelled and the event will BE RESCHEDULED TO THE 29th AUGUST,” organiser Groupo Guepardos wrote in a press release  on Saturday.  

Hurricane Grace, the first major hurricane of the Atlantic season, caused massive flooding, mudslides, power blackouts and destroyed thousands of homes as it moved inland towards Mexico City, where Gran Fondo Paso de Cort planned to start and finish.  At least eight people have been killed by the storm according to Veracruz state governor Cuitláhuac García.

Except for the one week delayed start on 29 August, the event will proceed as originally planned.  

PHOTOS: CP24.com

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