Not all event organizers are, well, organized…

On Sunday morning the 2024 Bowral Classic gran fondo in Australia was cancelled just as 3000 riders were rolling up to the start line, leaving cyclists furious.

Seems event organizer James Yaffa’s staff at The Classics neglected to follow up with the company hired for traffic management to make sure they were on-board, prepared and planning to show up – they did not.

“Our traffic management partner – an important partner we have worked with for several years – simply didn’t show up,” The Classics staff posted on Facebook. “It is with enormous regret The Classics announce the 2024 Bowral Classic is cancelled. Due to the non-arrival of the traffic management contractor, NSW Police have advised the event cannot proceed.”

Facebook and Reddit quickly lit up with disgust:

AusGeno: ”What a massive fuck up, I feel gutted for everyone that made efforts to prepare and get to Bowral.”

Ian O’Brien: “Having worked in traffic control I know there is a massive amount of pre event work that can be done prior to the actual road closures. Surely someone from Cycling Classics would have noticed by Friday and at worst Saturday that no prep work had been done by the contractor and simple phone call was required 🤔Totally beyond belief.” 

ALadWellBalanced: “Absolute fuckup, I think there’s more to the story than they’re saying on Facebook. The “human error” excuse doesn’t really hold water.”

alfsdungeons: “Yikes what an almighty screwup, hope most riders still get an enjoyable day on the bike.”

Hundreds of riders did still chose to head out on their own, tackling the 150km gran fondo, 120km medio fondo or 85km piccolo fondo route without any course signage, traffic safety, mechanical support or aid stations.

All registered riders will be offered a full entry fee refund, according to the organizer.

Photo Credit: Bicycling Australia

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