Cyprus Cycling Federation has made an emergency announcement on Tuesday postponing all cycling events until 31 March 2020, including the UCI Gran Fondo World Series Cyprus Gran Fondo race scheduled for 29 March.

Cyprus has just confirmed its first two cases of novel coronavirus, including a 64-year-old surgeon who headed up the cardiology department at the island’s largest medical facility. The doctor had recently returned from Britain.

In an immediate and sweeping response, Cyprus adopted social-distancing measures like those in Italy, France, Korea and China, including closing schools and banning any event with more than 75 people.

Also on Tuesday in a jaw-dropping announcement, German Chancellor Merkel predicted 60-70% of the population will contract coronavirus and social-distancing is the only option to buy time to develop a vaccine (experts say at least 1 year) and prevent medical resources from being overwhelmed.

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As more and more countries around the world force social-distancing behavior to battle the novel coronavirus pandemic by canceling school, sporting events and large gatherings, additional amateur (and professional) cycling events will likely be cancelled – including the UCI Gran Fondo World Series.

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ARE GRAN FONDOS INCOMPATIBLE WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING?

17 UCI GFWS events are scheduled over the next 90 days with amateur cyclists trying to qualify for the September 2020 Gran Fondo World Championships in Canada. The World Championship event expects 3000 cyclists from 60 countries to participate.

GFDN Worldwide Gran Fondo Calendar