Israel's Start-Up Nation will host a virtual team ride on Zwift on Friday evening to encourage people around the world to "Stay at Home" in the fight against the Covid-19 coronavirus.

"Having a group ride during uncertain times like the Covid-19 crisis is a great way for cyclists who love our team," said team member Guy Sagib, who is currently confined to his home in Girona.

"This group ride on Zwift gives everyone the possibility to participate in the ride from home. Staying home to fight the virus is important and ISN/ICA wants to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy riding a bike. I for one am looking forward to participating in Friday's group ride."

Sagiv, Andre Greipel, and former British UCI Hour Record holder Alex Dowsett, among others, will participate in the virtual event on Friday at 20:25 CET (21:25 Israel time). At least 10 team riders are expected to participate.

"It will be a fun ride with team riders for about an hour and 15 minutes, but in the last few kilometers fans will also be able to compete for the win," the team said in a press release announcing the event.

Other riders from the Israel Startup Nation and the Israel Cycling Academy include Ben Hermans of Belgium, Krist Neilands of Latvia, Matteo Badilatti of Switzerland, James Piccoli of Canada, Rory Sutherland, Davidson Rahab of Israel, Robin Plamondon of Canada, Daniel Turek of the Czech Republic, and Freddy Ovett of Australia, among others from around the world.

Participants will be able to follow their wheels and ask questions, just like a real team ride. If you follow the ISN/ICA event on Facebook, you can enter a raffle to win a jersey in the days leading up to the event.

The Zwift online platform will allow fans with smart trainers to ride their bikes and participate in events through their cell phones, TVs, and iPad screens.

The WorldTour team's efforts, along with Continental's "Academy" team, come as the reaction to the Covid 19 coronavirus deepens and the 2020 pro cycling season is becoming more questionable.

Millions of cyclists around the world are confined to their homes because authorities in many countries fear that amateur recreational cyclists riding outdoors will only put more strain on already overburdened hospitals.

In some countries, such as Italy, professional riders are allowed to ride outdoors, and some governments recognize that it is their profession.

Meanwhile, social distancing (minimizing contact with others) is now the watchword of societies seeking to slow the spread of the global pandemic, and Israel Start-Up Nation hopes that this event will provide community to those who are isolated and remind others of the need for responsible and remind others of the need for responsible behavior.