Tour of Hainan postponed due to coronavirus
Decision taken 'to protect the health and lives of athletes, referees, staff, riders and spectators'
The 2020 edition of the Tour of Hainan has been postponed due to the outbreak of coronavirus.
The week-long Chinese race was due to be held from February 23 to March 1, having moved from an autumn date in the calendar to join the new UCI Pro Series.
However, on Monday, race organisers announced the race would not take place, and they're now looking at whether it can be held later in the year.
"In order to avoid the risk of the spread of new coronavirus by holding the Tour of Hainan road race, and to protect the health and lives of athletes, referees, staff, as well as riders and spectators, the organizing committee has decided to postpone the race," read the statement.
The new strand of coronavirus, which can cause pneumonia and organ failure, has so far killed 80 people, with 400 in critical condition and a further 2,500 known to be infected.
The outbreak is thought to have originated in the Chinese province of Wuhan, 1500km north of Hainan.
"Depending on the development of the epidemic, the organizing committee will release the specific time through official channels," the statement added, in relation to a possible new date for the race.
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
On Monday afternoon, the UCI issued a statement confirming the postponement, which read: "The UCI has noted the cancellation of the event on theses dates and approved the request of the Chinese National Federation to postpone it to a later date in 2020 subject to availabilities on the calendar.
"The UCI is in regular contact with the Chinese authorities, which are keeping it informed of the evolution of the health situation and its impact on the organisation of cycling events in the country. It will take decisions necessary to ensure the safety of all stakeholders."
The next road race scheduled in China is the Tour of Chongming Island, a Women’s WorldTour event, in early May.
The postponement of the Tour of Hainan follows the cancellation of the 2020 Tour of Oman, due to the period of mourning following the death of Sultan Qaboos.
Cyclingnews is the world's leader in English-language coverage of professional cycling. Started in 1995 by University of Newcastle professor Bill Mitchell, the site was one of the first to provide breaking news and results over the internet in English. The site was purchased by Knapp Communications in 1999, and owner Gerard Knapp built it into the definitive voice of pro cycling. Since then, major publishing house Future PLC has owned the site and expanded it to include top features, news, results, photos and tech reporting. The site continues to be the most comprehensive and authoritative English voice in professional cycling.