The earthquakes and tsunami which have affected Japan have led to the cancellation of the country’s national Tour for 2011, with the organisers conceding that it is impossible for them to hold the event this year.
Those organisers indicated today that the race would not go ahead. The Tour of Japan was due to take place in six week’s time, starting on May 15th.
The country has been badly damaged by the March 11th earthquake which hit the country, countless smaller quakes and tremors, plus tsunami which battered the coastal areas. Tens of thousands of people are feared dead, and huge areas of land have been affected.
The situation has been compounded by a damaged nuclear power plant at Fukushima in the northeast of the country. Several reactors have been affected and radiation has been leaking from it. Authorities are still struggling to get on top of the situation.
There are also food shortages in various parts of the country.
According to AFP, part of the reason for the cancellation is that it would be difficult to get the necessary staff and equipment into place.
Last year’s Tour of Japan was won by the Italian Cristiano Salerno. Past victors also include Cameron Meyer (Australia), Félix Cardenas (Colombia) and the Swiss rider Mauro Gianetti.