Organizers announced Monday that the TransRockies Gravel Royale has been cancelled due to new COVID-19 regulations that limit the maximum capacity of outdoor gatherings to 100 people across British Columbia. The four-day off-road race had been scheduled to run from August 23-26.

"The TransRockies Organization has made every effort to make the event happen and has assured athletes that the best decisions have been made regarding this sudden change," organizers wrote in a press release.

"Public health orders did not allow the event and the small community is once again affected by COVID-19. TransRockies' top priority is to ensure the safety of our athletes, staff, volunteers, and the local community."

The event will feature a strong field of men and women, including LeadBoat Challenge winner Peter Stetina, three-time Canadian cyclocross champion Michael van den Ham, and former Unbound Gravel winner Amity Rockwell. The event was set to welcome a strong field in the categories.

"Disappointing news. After arriving safely in Canada, the BC government enacted a new health order limiting the outdoor group to 100 people. This means that the TransRockies Gravel Royale cannot take place. I am disappointed and feel even more sorry for the organizers who had to pull the pin after only 48 hours," Stetina posted on Twitter.

The British Columbia government announced new COVID-19 health regulations that will take effect at 8 a.m. local time on Monday, August 23 and remain in effect until the end of September.

The stricter regulations will limit indoor private gatherings to one other household or five guests, and organized indoor events will be limited to 50 people and will require a COVID-19 safety plan.

According to a report published in the CBC, safety plans would also be required for organized outdoor events with a limit of 100 people.

The TransRockies organization was forced to cancel three events: the TransRockies Gravel Royal, August 23-26 in Panorama, Canal Flats, and Fernie; September 7-12 in Fernie, Kimberly, and Rossland Singletrack 6, and the Golden Ultra at Golden and Kicking Horse Resort on September 17-19.

"Information regarding the 2022 event will be available to athletes in the coming days, and the 2021 athletes will be postponed without penalty," the organization confirmed in a press release.