SARS fear for international event

The world track championships could be moved from China because of fears over the SARS virus.

The event is scheduled to begin on July 30, but Australia and France have announced they are not prepared to risk the health of their riders and team members.

The sport’s governing body, the UCI, are monitoring the situation in China and will make an announcement regarding the event soon.

“We will have a final decision later this week,” said UCI spokesman Enrico Carpani.

“We understand that a lot of other federations are asking questions. We are following the situation closely and are in touch with the Chinese and the World Health Organisation.”

French Cycling Federation president Jean Pitallier said: “It‘s out of the question. We can not send our athletes to run such big risks.”

Cycling Australia president Mike Victor added: “It would be irresponsible of us to put our athletes at risk when there is a danger of them becoming infected.”

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) has killed over 300 people around the world and infected more than 5,000.