Coronavirus: Israel Start-Up Nation say they'll race wherever it's safe

Nils Politt of Germany and Team Israel Start-Up Nation / Reto Hollenstein
Israel Start-Up Nation's Nils Politt and Reto Hollenstein at Volta a Algarve in February (Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

Bucking the trend of teams pulling out of races in reaction to the coronavirus [Covid-19] outbreak around the globe, Israel Start-Up Nation vowed Thursday to participate in any races that live up to safety standards set by local health authorities, race organisers and the UCI.

In a statement sent to media, Israel Start-Up Nation said owners and staff consulted with team doctors before reaching the decision and setting guidelines for racing while the world faces the spread of coronavirus.

The first-year WorldTour team will take part in the upcoming Paris-Nice, which starts Sunday. Two other races scheduled for this weekend in Italy, Strade Bianche and GP Industria, were cancelled by the organisers. The team also said they plan to participate in Tirreno-Adriatico March 11-17 if the Italian race takes place and if it satisfies all guidelines by local authorities and the team's medical staff. 

Growing up in Missoula, Montana, Pat competed in his first bike race in 1985 at Flathead Lake. He studied English and journalism at the University of Oregon and has covered North American cycling extensively since 2009, as well as racing and teams in Europe and South America. Pat currently lives in the US outside of Portland, Oregon, with his imaginary dog Rusty.