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"The decision has been taken in light of the
ongoing situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes
continuing with the planning and organisation of the 2020 race
impractical," a statement said.
The high-profile race which attracts crowds of 1.5 million
spectators was won last year by Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel.
This year's route would have taken the peloton through Cornwall
for the first time and would have finished in Aberdeen.
Organisers ruled out holding their Tour without spectators,
saying it would go against what the race stands for.
"Across the UK there are significant doubts around the potential
to stage large-scale public events and gatherings such as the
Tour of Britain as early as September and while any form of
social distancing remains in place and there isn't a vaccine
available, people's health and safety must come first," the
statement said.
"By moving this year's planned route to September 2021 our
venues and partners will be able to enjoy a full 12-month build
up to the race and once conditions allow we look forward to
engaging communities across all eight stages."
The provisional dates for the 2021 event are Sept. 5-12.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
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