Because it is a matter of protection for everyone, because the health of the riders has always been our main focus and because we have been committed to fostering credibility for 12 years, MPCC asks everyone, and especially its members, to comply at once with all of the health measures with the same determination that it has shown towards sports and ethical rules.
The efforts of the governements focus on slowing down the propagation of the COVID-19 virus in order to create a sufficient level of immunity among the population. The main goal here is to avoid a huge number of persons getting sick at the same time, thus overcrowding the hospitals and preventing those really in need from getting a sufficient level of care. As a consequence, during the spread of the virus, the governements already have to – or will very soon – restrict the free movement of persons. These restrictions will only get more permissive during an ulterior phase.
In numerous countries, the population is already required to stay home to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus. In these areas, MPCC believes that the same rule should apply to everyone, whether you are a mere amateur cyclist or a cycling champion, for as long as imposed and following the differents rules enforced by the governments.
The doctor of our movement, Pierre Lebreton, hematologist, has a clear statement for them: « If some of you wonder whether they can go out to train, the answer is no! Not going out is the answer to two potential issues: contaminating the others, and having an accident that would overcrowd the hospitals even more. » (P. Lebreton interview Direct Vélo )
During the following weeks, we are convinced that our 861 members, including 380 professional athletes, males and females, will support this behaviour, whatever the consequences on their profesionnal activity and on their mid-term and long-term sporting goals.
Before anything else, cyclists are global citzens. Solidarity is a crucial value that sport must encourage, especially in these circumstances.
We sincerely hope that our individual behaviours and our collective will are key to defeat this pandemic.
We wish all of you « Bon courage » in this difficult moment.