Crowd ban ends any hope of Tour at usual time

After weeks of holding out hope the Tour de France would be able to go ahead despite the coronavirus pandemic, the world’s most famous cycling race has finally been added to the list of events called off.

It may still happen this year, but it is clear the three-week race won’t be starting on 27 June in Nice. French president Emmanuel Macron effectively made that decision in a speech to the nation when he announced that all public events with large crowds have been cancelled until mid-july.

“Given that it’s now impossible that the Tour starts at its planned date, we are consulting with the (International Cycling Union) to try to find new dates,” race organisers said.

The last time the Tour was not held was in 1946, with the nation still emerging from the Second World War. It was also stopped during the First World War.

While cycling’s biggest event could be scrapped altogether, organisers Amaury Sport Organisation and the ICU are discussing potential later dates. Riders would have to be physically ready to tackle the gruelling race – and able to actually attend it. After weeks of confinement, competitors would likely need several more weeks to get into shape.

Borders would have to be open, too, so racers such as last year’s winner, Colombian rider Egan Bernal, can travel to France.

Juggling the cycling calendar is tricky because various races have regular slots during the season, including the Giro d’italia and the Spanish Vuelta.

The Giro, due to have been in May, was called off last month. The Spanish race – also run by ASO – is still on the schedule for 14 August to 6 September.

If the Tour de France were to be held after the Vuelta in September, it could clash with the rescheduled French Open tennis tournament. The clay-court Grand Slam tournament at Roland Garros, normally in late May and June, will run from 20 September to 4 October.