Elia Viviani (Cofidis) expressed hope that Italian athletes will be allowed to train on the streets again as soon as the blockade restrictions are relaxed. Italy has been on lockdown since March 9 due to the coronavirus outbreak. The current lockdown is scheduled to expire on May 4, but there are reports that restrictions will be gradually eased in the following weeks.

"I would like to point out that we athletes are not a danger to anyone. The cycling has been cancelled in order not to increase the pressure that is already on hospitals, not because this virus is spread by cyclists," Viviani said, according to L'Équipe (open in new tab).

"This situation can be solved with strict rules, for example, that everyone must go out alone. The players could train on the street for a few hours. They can train normally and not be a danger to others. This is the most important thing. This is the most important thing. [The UCI has outlined a revised fall calendar, moving the Tour de France from August 29 to September 20, the Giro d'Italia to October, and the Vuelta a España to November; the RTBF reports that the three postponed monuments are tentatively set for October.

Viviani is eager for the race to be held again in the fall, but notes that the reorganized and condensed race calendar will force competitors to forgo events they were originally scheduled to run.

"I don't think anyone is going to run three Grand Tours. 'Under the circumstances, some athletes might not run two races. But I think the important thing is that the races take place. Even if some events on the calendar clash, I enthusiastically welcome the resumption of competition."

The Italian is in his first season with Cofidis and initially had a busy schedule of competing in the Giro in May and the Tour in July before focusing on defending his omnium title at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He was also scheduled to compete in Ghent-Wevelgem and the Tour de Flanders in the spring.

All of these events were postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, and the Olympics were postponed to 2021.

"I would love to participate in the Tour de Flanders, but maybe I will have to skip the Giro in favor of the Tour," Viviani said. 'Athletes have to make those decisions this season. Next year, everything will be back to normal. The most important thing is that cycling will resume for the teams, athletes, and organizers. We are ready