Online retailers are struggling to keep up with demand for turbo trainers as the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak has cyclists across Europe on some form of lockdown.

Many countries - including Spain, France, and Italy - have implemented restrictions on outside riding, meaning more cyclists have turned to indoor cycling in the past few weeks.

Popular online platform Zwift is seeing record user numbers, with the company recording new peaks almost daily over the past week. Last week the 20,000 user barrier was broken, and with 28,299 users on Sunday, 30,000 users is not far behind; TrainerRoad is experiencing similar growth, with active users up 50% over last year.

This means that demand for indoor trainers has surged in recent weeks, but the lockdown has also had the effect of shutting down businesses, including factories.

Padova-based Elite, one of the largest producers of turbo trainers, was shut down due to strict measures by the Italian government. This means that there is a shortage of indoor trainers in stock.

"Since last weekend, due to a new announcement by the Italian government, we are completely blockaded and the company is now completely closed," said Elite marketing manager Marta Segato.

"We have to wait until April 6. This was unexpected, but due to the dramatic situation in Italy. Hopefully the situation will improve now."

Online stores on the Internet have already sold out of many models of popular trainer brands such as Elite, Tacx, and Wahoo. Meanwhile, Cycling News brings you more information on this situation, including information on the lowest prices for a few trainers.