Whether the U.S.-Canadian border opens or not, the Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay board will organize a race in some form, board member Richard Clement said.

The KCIBR board met earlier this month to discuss planning an event for 2021. The race was canceled this year because of the pandemic.

“Our primary goal is ensuring the safety of all entrants, volunteers and members of the community,” the board said in a statement. “The event will incorporate best practices developed for the COVID-19 pandemic.  Operational plans will be reviewed by appropriate medical and regulatory agencies.

The board has set up committees exploring race options should the border remain closed next summer.

Tourism director Steven Auch said in discussions with Canadian health officials, it’s expected the border will remain closed until spring, which is a best-case scenario, but that it’s still too early to know for sure.

“I would personally find it hard to think we’ll go through another summer exactly like this past one and some things will be modified to potentially allow some activity to happen. That’s just a guess. Regardless of whether the border opens or not, the race could happen in a modified format.”

“We will definitely have one or more events even if the border is closed to non-essential travel, so get on your bike and train up,” Clement said.

The board should have concrete plans and options beginning in January.

The international bike relay draws 1,200 participants to Haines each June. Racers arrive from across the world. The board canceled registration for the event last March when the health organizations declared the worldwide pandemic. The race was also canceled due to snowfall in 2018.

The 148-mile course is divided into eight legs, begins in Haines Junction and ends at the Fort Seward parade grounds in Haines. The event is typically paired with the Southeast Alaska State Fair’s Fishermen’s Barbeque, where racers and attendees enjoy a local salmon bake.

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