Traffic mayhem fears tempt cycling race postponement

Discussions over effects on traffic have led to the postponement of a major cycling event.

Organisers of the first Viennese Cycling Marathon announced today (Mon) the competition would take place in spring of next year instead of this autumn. Critics of the endeavour complained about plans to shut the Ringstraße road in the city centre of the capital for the race initially scheduled for September.

Now event managers said they agreed with city officials and the Viennese government of Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the Green Party to stage the race in the first half of next year. They remained tight-lipped over whether an agreement over which streets will be temporarily closed has been reached. Organisers promised to present the race’s precise date “shortly.”

Earlier this month, the 63rd edition of the Austria Tour ended in Vienna. Swedish cyclist Fredrik Kessiakoff, 31, won the eight-stage competition ahead of Leopold König from the Czech Republic. Hundreds of fans gathered in the centre of the capital to see the cycling stars battle it out on the Ringstraße boulevard. The Austria Tour traditionally finished in front of the City Hall.