This year’s Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix races have been cancelled as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The races had been scheduled to take place between Sunday, August 22 to Friday, September 3. But following extensive consultation with representatives from key operational groups, the Isle of Man Government has taken the decision to cancel this year’s races.

Laurence Skelly, minister for the Department for Enterprise, confirmed the decision by saying: ’Despite the undoubted progress that the Isle of Man and the UK are making in rolling out its vaccination programme, the central issue of the availability of sufficient marshals, medics and other race officials to run the event safely and effectively remains.

’Once again we are making an early, but regrettable, decision to provide clarity and certainty to race officials, fans and sponsors, as well as the teams and competitors.

’We also have to prioritise the health and wellbeing of the island’s residents, and the sustainability of our own health service, through managing our island’s border protocols, allowing medical professionals both on the island, and those that come over to support the event, to instead be able to concentrate on the ongoing medical challenges presented by the global pandemic.

’Our focus and resources will now be switched on to the successful return of racing on the Mountain Course for the 2022 TT Races, Classic TT Races and Manx Grand Prix and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our island when it is safe and practical for them to return.’

More reaction in this week’s Manx Independent, on sale Thursday.