The 2011 A4DE, last year won by Toby Price, has been postponed due to extreme weather in Mackay.

Motorcycling Australia has confirmed that the 2011 Australian 4 Day Enduro (A4DE) has been postponed to 7-10 July.

The decision to reschedule the A4DE, originally set for 20-23 April, was due to the recent extreme weather conditions in the Mackay region, causing significant damage to the trails and surrounding areas.

John Hand, from Gum Valley Motorcycle Club, said while disappointed the A4DE has been rescheduled, the decision was made with the upmost thought for the safety and welfare of all people involved in the event.

“For the month of March we’ve had over one metre (of rainfall) and for the period of January to March, a ridiculous three metres of rainfall,” he said.

“With further heavy rain forecast between now and Easter it wasn’t possible to run the event, and even if it had been, racing in such treacherous conditions wouldn’t be safe for riders or good for the environment.

“We feel this is the best possible outcome for riders – July is always drier, cooler, and the new dates still fall within school holidays.”

Aware of the implications on travel and transport arrangements the decision will have, Hand has encouraged those people with bookings to contact Mackay Tourism.

“We realise this postponement might create problems for riders with accommodation and holidays already planned,” he said. “Mackay Tourism has agreed to help people re-book or transfer accommodation bookings, or find new accommodation.”

The 2011 A4DE will now be held from 7-10 July, 2011 in Mackay.

The change of dates for the A4DE has created a calendar clash with rounds seven and eight of the 2011 Australian Off Road Championship (AORC), scheduled to run with rounds of the Victorian Off Road Championship at Broadford, Victoria from 9-10 July.

MA has revealed that those AORC rounds will be rescheduled to a date and venue that has yet to be confirmed. An announcement from the AORC regarding the rescheduling of the Broadford event will be made in the near future.