The racing team from Kazakhstan has now announced that it will be taking a break from competition until 20 March. This precautionary measure affects the Strade Bianche, Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico cycling races.
"With this measure, we have decided to protect the health of our riders and employees," said Astana Team Principal Alexander Vinokourov. The team also wanted to "take responsibility for society in order to prevent the virus from spreading further".
On Wednesday, the Ineos team led by Tour de France winners Egan Bernal and Chris Froome announced that it would not be racing until the Tour of Catalonia on 23 March. The British racing team justified the decision with the sudden death of sports director Nicolas Portal, but also with the uncertain situation in the wake of the spread of the coronavirus.
