The past two weeks, we've welcomed all sorts of motorsports events from Formula 1 to MotoGP. Despite the return to this 'new normal' we're all excited for, the risk of COVID-19 is still out there. This very reason led to the cancellation of the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) 2021 opening round at Le Mans. That's right, the Le Mans 24 Hueres Motos which is scheduled to take place on 17 April 2021 is officially cancelled.

Below is the official statement released by the FIM EWC regarding the matter.

“Following discussions with medical staff and in agreement with the Prefecture of Police, the organiser of the 24 Heures Motos Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the French and international motorcycling federations FIM and FFM and Eurosport Events, the championship’s promoter, have decided to cancel the event due to the ongoing Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a result of the health crisis and of hospitals being under considerable strain, hospitals in Le Mans are not in a position to provide the service required to ensure the safety of riders and teams during the race.

“The organiser, sporting federations and promoter are already working to identify a future date for the 24 Heures Motos during the 2021 season. A communication to this effect will be issued over the next 10 days.”

According to Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de L’Ouest, "Deciding to cancel the 24 Hours Motos was extremely difficult. Unfortunately, the ongoing pandemic means we cannot uphold our usual organisational standards. My thoughts are with medical workers, who have had a very tough time over the past year or so. We are now doing our utmost to set a new date for the 44th 24 Hours Motos."

Source: FIM EWC