The Lugano Trophy and 17th Mario Albisetti Memorial will not take place in its traditional form in the spring of 2021.
The organizers, SAL, have decided that the uncertainties related to the Covid-19 pandemic are too numerous for an international road walk event to be held in the center of Lugano (Ticino, SUI).
Thus another of the important walking events in Europe comes to an end.
We hope that the organizers find the incentives to retrace their steps at least with the 2022 edition.
This year, on March 8, 2020, the edition was canceled, with the onset of the coronavirus crisis.
Marie Polli, of the local organizing committee, indicated that the club could possibly organize a reduced version, on track (10.000m or 1 hour). But for this, and before proposing a date in the international calendar, the Ticino Club will have to monitor the health situation.
The Lugano Trophy is the most important walking race in Switzerland and for several years it has been part of high-level international competitions in Europe, such as those of Rio Maior and La Coruna, all canceled during 2020.
However, the International Meetings of Alytus (LTU) and Podebrady (CZE) were saved and took place, albeit with a less wide level of participation, and the Permit Meeting of Dudince (SVK) should be held on Saturday.
(cover photo by Jérome Genet - SUI; arrival of women in the 2019 edition)