*Italian races seem to be the biggest concern for the UCI because of the coronavirus, though the world governing body says it is too soon to say if any more races will be cancelled*

The UCI has said it was still too early to predict how many more races would be cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus, but it pointed out the spread of the virus in Italy has been especially rapid in recent days.

While the world governing body for cycling stopped well short of suggesting major races in Italy would be cancelled, it said sports events had already been called off in some parts of Italy.

Strade Bianche (1.UWT) is due to take place in Tuscany the weekend after next; one of the regions the UCI said was part of the latest outbreaks of the coronavirus.

Milan-Sanremo is scheduled for March 21st and it begins in the region of Lombardy, which has been enduring an outbreak since the end of last week.

In words that will be interpreted by many as preparing the sport for the cancellation or postponing of some races, the UCI said: "The UCI remains in close contact with organisers of international cycling competitions and the health authorities of host countries, in order to contribute as far as it can to the limitation of risks of the virus spreading throughout the world."

UCI statement in full...

The pneumonia epidemic (Covid-19) linked to the novel coronavirus
(SARS-CoV-2) continues to spread and has now touched 34 countries, with
nevertheless significantly varying degrees of severity. The appearance
of new outbreaks, in Iran, South Korea and in Italy, confirm the extent
of this virus’ contagiousness. Certain recently-discovered
characteristics of this virus, the rate of population movement, and the
lack of preparedness of health systems and populations for the risks of
epidemics explain the spread of this virus beyond China.

The
current state of the epidemic naturally has consequences on the
organisation of sporting and cultural events in different regions of the
world, such as that of events on the UCI International Calendar, for
example in Italy, where 229 cases of the virus had been confirmed as of
25 February (on top of some 100 awaiting confirmation).

It is not
currently possible to predict in the medium term whether competitions in
this country will be maintained or cancelled, given the rapidity with
which new outbreaks are declared, like yesterday in Tuscany, Sicily and
Liguria. In the short term on the other hand, decisions to cancel or
postpone events have already been taken (last weekend) by regional
health authorities, in order to minimise the risks of transmitting the
virus which are made greater by travel and human gatherings in confined
spaces.

The UCI remains in close contact with organisers of
international cycling competitions and the health authorities of host
countries, in order to contribute as far as it can to the limitation of
risks of the virus spreading throughout the world.

As a reminder, the UCI recently released important information concerning the novel coronavirus which contains recommendations for individual protection and measures to be taken at international competitions being held in China and international events organised outside China that welcome delegations from countries at risk.