Pro-cycling thread

Looks all the races in Italy are getting canned no. For the best but gutting nonetheless. Now personally I am hoping they cancel race week here in Cheltenham

https://twitter.com/laflammerouge16/status/1235277668066758656?s=20

Stable door. Horse. Bolted.

This on the Beeb but no mention of cycling at time of posting. Seems the rules are clear though...
"Sports events and competitions of all kinds and disciplines, held in every place, both public and private, are suspended; however it is permitted to carry out the aforementioned events and competitions behind closed doors, or outdoors without the presence of the public.”

however it is permitted to carry out the aforementioned events and competitions behind closed doors, or outdoors without the presence of the public

Sport is the new sex

Crufts still goes on ! Not that dogs do sanitisers and thousands of dogs have been brought in from non uk residences ! .

Ineos our until 23 March. In light of yesterday’s dreadful news that gives them a good chance to grieve as well (not suggesting at all this has influenced their decision).
Update - Dave Brailsford saying they did take Portal’s death and it’s impact on the whole Ineos team into consideration.

The need to make money is greater than the desire to save lives. It's all in the percentage

This from Italy...
Following the Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic of 4 March 2020, RCS Sport announces that the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche scheduled for 8 March is canceled. The details of the new date will be communicated in the future.

That's the mass participation ride the day after the pro race.

I think the pro race will be cancelled, alongside Tirreno and Milan-San Remo, but no official decision has been made yet.

Indeed (so possibly not for this thread), I too suspect the pro race will follow. I guess they made the call earlier to try and stop so many participants making their journey.

If they cancel Flanders or Roubaix I’ll be fuming now that I’ve paid for Eurosport.

Everyone can take a nice long nap instead of watching Milan-San Remo. Oh wait

Sorry, wasn’t meant to be a snark, was attempting to clarify it for those that didn’t realise.

I think it is relevant, as presumably many of the reasons it was cancelled, like impacts on local emergency services, healthcare services and the like, apply equally to the pro races.

Seven cases in Wevelgem were disclosed yesterday. And I think there’s an outbreak in Compeigne, where Paris-Roubaix starts.

no problem, didn't take it that way...

I doubt there will be any racing this spring and the Giro is unlikely to go ahead either. It's not impossible the Tour will be cancelled. Should be a very competitive Vuelta and World Champs this year.

Presuming the virus acknowledges national borders and turns back from Spain. I doubt any self-respecting virus would dare to attempt an invasion of Switzerland.

Strade Bianchi is the first casualty then...
Cancellation notice

:( gutted. One of the best-and most beautiful-races of the year.

Fred Wright was enjoying a couple of beers last night as he knew he wouldn't be racing for a few weeks.

CHE CHE CHE

Tirreno-Adriatico and Milan-San Remo officially 'postponed' now. Can't see them getting put back on mind. MSR first cancellation since WWII.

I’m going to start a conspiracy theory that Covid-19 was commissioned by Zwift;

https://twitter.com/mitcheltonscott/status/1235946954775040000?s=21

this is fucking ruining the season and run up to the Giro-if that even gets held now crycrycry

and i just paid for eurosport before opening weekend...