Prognosis worsens for Grand Tours as coronavirus crisis deepens

NTT’s Giacomo Nizzolo sprints to victory on stage 2 of the 2020 Paris-Nice, at a stage finish in Chalette-sur-Loing devoid of spectators, who were kept at a distance due to fears about the coronavirus spread
NTT’s Giacomo Nizzolo sprints to victory on stage 2 of the 2020 Paris-Nice, at a stage finish in Chalette-sur-Loing devoid of spectators, who were kept at a distance due to fears about the coronavirus spread (Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

Two of the world's leading experts in global health and contagious diseases have given a gloomy prognosis for both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France, as the spread of the coronavirus continues to cut a swathe through the world's sporting calendar.

The Giro d'Italia is due to start in Hungary on May 9 but is looking increasingly unlikely given the now nationwide restrictions of movement applied across Italy, and June's Tour de France is potentially also at risk as positive cases continue to increase across Europe.