The Garmin Dirty Kanza 200 gravel race has been postponed from May 30 to September 12 due to a coronavirus pandemic. Outdoor cycling is still allowed in the U.S., but most events have been canceled or postponed.

The Kansas race was one of the largest and most testing gravel races, attracting thousands of riders seeking a personal challenge as well as professional riders on the dirt roads around the city of Emporia.

Last year, Colin Strickland won the men's race with a long-distance attack, and Amity Rockwell won the women's race after being part of the two lead groups in front after 64 km of racing.

Lifetime, the race's owner, announced the schedule change on Sunday evening, offering the 4,000 athletes registered for the 2020 event the option of racing in September, postponing the run until 2021, or accepting a refund.

"The entire Dirty Canza team has been working around the clock to make the best and wisest decision for all athletes, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and members of the Emporia community," said organizers, who provided further information in a series of Q&As.

"It is with your health and safety in mind that we are postponing the Garmin Dirty Kanza and Garmin Dirty Kanza XL presented by Salsa and moving the 2020 event to September 10-13 and the race date to Saturday, September 12. I hope we can all continue to do our part to 'flatten the curve' and invite you all to Emporia in the fall. We will continue to work with local and regional health authorities to monitor this ongoing situation, as we have in the past.

"The decision to postpone was not made lightly. As always, we are here for you and want to make this transition as smooth as possible. We ask for your patience and generosity as we work through this difficult time together."

Race co-founder Jim Cummins and the Dirty Kanza staff revealed that they have spoken with several other organizers as the September dates have become crowded with events postponed to the spring and summer.

The new Dirty Kanza dates are the week after Rebecca's private Idaho event (September 3-6), the same dates as Grindlo California. The Pony Express 120 near Marysville, Kansas, has agreed to move its date to October 17.