The safety of participants, spectators, volunteers, staff, contractors and public safety personnel is the event's highest priority. Varying weather is part of road cycling, but extreme weather can put people at unnecessary risk. ViM Racing reserves the right to modify, delay, shorten, suspend or cancel the event at any time if weather presents an unacceptable safety risk.

Weather monitoring

Starting at least 72 hours before the event, ViM Racing will continuously monitor forecasts and conditions, including:

• Daily review of National Weather Service forecasts and local weather reports
• Excessive heat or cold
• Thunderstorms, lightning, hail, freezing rain, snow or other hazardous precipitation
• High winds that may affect rider safety
• Wildfire danger, Red Flag Warnings, smoke and other environmental hazards affecting the course or nearby communities
• Course inspections for cattle guards, water crossings, erosion, washouts and other weather-related hazards
• Consultation with rider representatives and local emergency management officials

Weather response

Depending on forecast or observed conditions, ViM Racing may:

• Keep monitoring with no changes
• Modify parts of the course to avoid hazards
• Shorten one or more race distances
• Delay or adjust start times
• Suspend racing until conditions improve
• Cancel individual events or the entire event if participant safety can't reasonably be assured

Decision authority

Final decisions on weather-related changes rest solely with ViM Racing, in consultation with local emergency services, public safety agencies, weather professionals, medical personnel and other key stakeholders.

Communication

Changes will be shared as quickly as practical through email, text message (when available), social media, public address announcements, and volunteer and course marshal communications. Participants are responsible for checking official event communications before and during the event.

Participant responsibility

Come prepared for changing conditions. Carry appropriate clothing, hydration, nutrition and equipment. ViM Racing encourages riders to use sound judgment and stop if continuing would put themselves or others at undue risk.