Rigoberto Urán suggested that only three men's WorldTour teams would survive if the 2020 Tour de France is canceled due to the COVID-19 epidemic, warning that the loss of the sport's biggest race would cause a "major economic crisis."

The 33-year-old highlighted the problems facing ordinary people in his native Colombia and said he felt particularly sorry for young riders entering the sport, such as EF Pro Cycling teammates Dani Martinez and Sergio Iguita.

Last week, EF Pro Cycling confirmed that the team is negotiating with riders and staff about salary cuts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dutch press reports had suggested that riders would face a 44% pay cut to pay their salaries during 2020 after team owner EF Education First made significant cutbacks. Uran admitted that the amount was about 40%.

The ASO and the UCI announced last week that the Tour de France would be held between August 29 and September 30, two months later than planned, but medical experts were quick to point out that with a second wave of COVID-19 expected in the fall as European countries try to ease blockade restrictions and boost their economies, " He noted that this could be a "recipe for disaster.

"Cycling is a poor sport because it is supported solely by business. If the Tour is not held, it will be a disaster," Uran said in a long interview on the Colombian Cycling Federation's website.

"For example, out of the 18 [World Tour] teams, only three can survive, and the others face a very complicated future. Only three teams are financially strong right now. Only a few businesses are doing well in the world today. If this continues, when the crisis hits and companies are forced to cut back, they will have to start with their marketing plans, and cycling will be affected."

The suspension of professional racing until at least late July or August will give Uran time to fully recover from the serious injury he sustained in the sixth stage of the Vuelta a España. He suffered a fractured scapula and collarbone, broken ribs, and a punctured lung; he underwent seven hours of surgery and was told by doctors that he was "lucky to be alive." But he is more concerned about his young teammate, who was so impressive in February's Tour Colombia 2.1 stage race, in which Higuita won the overall.

"It's complicated for everyone. In my case I have other things on my mind, but other riders are in different situations. For example, Dani Martinez and Sergio Iguita signed contracts and had goals for the next two years. They probably bought a house for their mother, but then this happened, their contracts were reduced and many were fired from the team. They gave us a new contract and reduced our salaries by about 40%. I'm thinking about life after that, but it's difficult for a player just starting out in this sport," Uran said.

"It will be difficult to get back to a normal life and I know it will be difficult for all of us, but we have to carry on. I hope that eventually everything will work out, a vaccine will be found, people will get jobs, and the world economy will be better again. Going out on the town, going to a bar and having a beer, traveling. Those are normal things, but we will value them very much in the future."

Uran is ready to race later this year, even if the Giro d'Italia in October and the Vuelta a España stage in November will be hit by cold weather and possible snow in the mountains.

"If they say I have to race in the cold, I will race in the cold. Uran admitted that if allowed to return to Europe, athletes may have to go through quarantine when they return to Europe.

Uran's post-career plans include his own brand, Go Rigo Go. The apparel store has closed, but the online store is open. Uran is still active on social media while staying in Colombia, awaiting news that he can finally resume racing.

"The sport has taken a back seat. I am still training and active on social media. I'm trying to make quarantine a little easier and let people know that we're all connected. [I don't know what's going to happen; I've been told the only date is the Tour in August, so I'm trying to plan for that, and I want to run in a way that will benefit my sponsors and the team. But nothing is certain right now. My only goal right now is to prepare for the Tour. I don't know yet if I will compete in the Tour or not."