World Endurance bosses have this afternoon announced the opening race of the 2021 FIM Endurance World Championship at Le Mans will not take place as scheduled on 17 and 18 April.

Following discussions with medical staff and in agreement with the Préfecture of Police, the organizer 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.

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

The organizer, 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 ten days.

Pierre Fillon, President, Automobile Club de L’Ouest said:  “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.”