Romain Bardet (AG2R La Mondiale) has spoken out against the idea of giving French professional athletes an exemption from road training while France is blockaded by a coronavirus outbreak.

In Tuesday's Le Monde newspaper (opens in new tab), Bardet said, "Now is not the time to be selfish," noting that with the UCI suspending all racing until at least June 1, riders currently have no events to train for.

Last week, Pascal Chanture, president of the French riders' union UNCP, requested permission for French professional cyclists to train outdoors starting in mid-April. This is because France, Spain, and Italy are under strict blockade, while Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United States still allow outdoor riding.

In France, a two-week blockade began on March 17 and was later extended for another two weeks. Later, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said that the ongoing lockdown would likely be extended beyond April 15.

"There is no need to rush to obtain a special exception for the right to drive on the roads. What is important is that we have a timetable for the reopening," Bardet told Le Monde.

"Now it will be a consolation and a personal pleasure. If the professionals want to ride, the amateurs want to ride. The message would not be positive, as there is talk of declining adherence to the rules. Now is not the time for selfishness."

Bardet's words echo those of Lilian Calmejane of Total Direct Energie, who spoke out against the UNCP's exemption request in an interview with L'Équipe magazine on Monday.

"Given the global situation, I am in favor of everyone - first of all the celebrities in the media - setting a good example by staying at home," Calmejane told L'Équipe.

"Given that there are no races before July, I don't see why professional cyclists should be allowed to go out freely before everyone else if we are to remain in general confinement. At some point, we need to set an example. Unity is the only thing that will help us get through this crisis without too much damage.

"For me there is nothing to think about because we are all citizens. It's easy to say that when you live in a small town, have a little freedom, live in a house with land, and have a dog to walk in the park. But for me, we all have to be invincible. From a sporting standpoint, there's no rush."

Jean-René Bernadeau, Calmejian's Total Direct Energies manager, also rejected UNCP's request for an exemption for professional riders, telling Ciclismaktu that he had other pressing priorities in the coming weeks besides professional sports.

"Health issues need to be addressed," he said.

"If training is reduced and the Tour de France is 3 km/h slower, it won't kill us. It's really shocking, not just for cycling, but for the top level of the sport. We are a bit selfish. It's selfish to talk about the business of sport now, because we are nothing compared to what the whole French nation is suffering. Sports are secondary. ......."