'Paris-Nice may be one of the last races for the time being,' says Trek-Segafredo DS
The developing coronavirus situation has already seen the cancellation of many sporting events across the continent
Trek-Segafredo sports director Steven de Jongh says he fears Paris-Nice may be one of the last races for a while as Europe's coronavirus outbreak appears to become more serious by the day.
Italy currently has the worst outbreak outside China, with over 7,000 confirmed cases and 366 deaths at the time of writing, with one expert warning the UK has only a "few days" to implement measures to avoid a similar situation.
The outbreak in Italy has seen the cancellation of Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico and Milan - San Remo, draining March's racing calendar, as teams dropped out in order to safeguard their riders and staff as well as limit any potential harm to public health.
Paris-Nice has been allowed to continue, although during the second day organisers said the remaining stages would be raced "behind closed doors" as they banned the public from start and finish lines.
>>> Astana riders and staff have not been paid since start of 2020, Vinokourov confirms
Sports director De Jongh has now said he thinks Paris-Nice may be the last high-level race for a while, as the coronavirus looks to be getting more serious by the day. The international aspect of cycling poses a significant risk that authorities are unlikely to permit and teams won't want to get caught up in any situations such as the quarantine of the UAE Tour.
"I am happy that [Paris-Nice] is continuing and that we are racing here," De Jongh told ANP. "It is perhaps one of the last races for the time being. We can see from China and Italy how long it takes before the contamination figures no longer increase.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"As long as they say it is safe for the wider public, we see no need not to race. But I fear that could all change in a matter of days," the sports director said.
Fears surround the upcoming Giro d'Italia, with race director Mauro Vegni worried about the damage that cancelling such an event would do to the country.
"Canceling the Giro d'Italia would create a very complex situation not only for cycling or sport but for the whole country. I don't even want to think about such an eventuality. The damages would be truly immense," Vegni told Sporza.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Jonny was Cycling Weekly's Weekend Editor until 2022.
I like writing offbeat features and eating too much bread when working out on the road at bike races.
Before joining Cycling Weekly I worked at The Tab and I've also written for Vice, Time Out, and worked freelance for The Telegraph (I know, but I needed the money at the time so let me live).
I also worked for ITV Cycling between 2011-2018 on their Tour de France and Vuelta a España coverage. Sometimes I'd be helping the producers make the programme and other times I'd be getting the lunches. Just in case you were wondering - Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen had the same ham sandwich every day, it was great.
-
Forget distance covered, these are the key stats to note in your Strava Year in Sport
We asked a coach how to best analyse our end of year Strava data
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'She should show a bit more respect' - Lotte Kopecky responds to Demi Vollering comments
The pair seemingly had one last fractious year together at SD Worx-Protime in 2024
By Tom Davidson Published
-
‘I couldn’t quite believe it’ - Charlie Quarterman on his rags to riches Giro d’Italia selection
The British rider spent a year at amateur level with Philippe Wagner Cycling before heading back to the top with Corratec
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘Giving up the Giro breaks my heart’ – Trek’s Giulio Ciccone forced out of home tour by Covid symptoms
Italian was relishing leading Trek’s challenge at Giro that starts in his home region
By Peter Cossins Published
-
Lizzie Deignan to return to racing at Flèche Wallonne, is a possibility for Liège–Bastogne–Liège
Trek-Segafredo finalise roster for Wednesday's Ardennes Classic, with Deignan returning for the first time since 2021
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Lizzie Deignan: 'It’s a shame someone can’t see the value of the Women’s Tour'
The Women’s Tour’s only double winner expresses her disappointment after the cancellation of the 2023 race
By Owen Rogers Published
-
‘She said she wanted to cry’ - Elisa Longo Borghini lauds team-mate after dominant Jebel Hafeet win
The Italian duo rode clear of the peloton at the UAE Tour to take a memorable one-two
By Tom Davidson Published
-
All the 2023 kits: EF Education-EasyPost share latest collaboration with Rapha
American WorldTour team become latest to release their new 2023 kit, here's the rest
By Adam Becket Published
-
Van Vleuten confirms her superiority with Ceratizit Challenge GC victory
Elisa Balsamo takes the final stage bunch kick on the Madrid circuit after consummate work from Trek-Segafredo
By Owen Rogers Published
-
Trek-Segafredo win the Ceratizit Challenge by La Vuelta team time trial
Elisa Longo Borghini led the American squad home and will take the leader's red jersey into the remaining four stages
By Owen Rogers Last updated