The UCI has decided to cancel the 2020 Road World Championships (open in new tab) to be held in Aigle Martigny, Switzerland, from September 20-27, but hopes that new venues can be found for at least some of the races.

The decision follows a meeting of the Swiss Federal Council on August 12 that resulted in the extension of the current COVID-19 measure in the country, which limits public gatherings and major events to less than 1,000 people until September 30.

"The Organizing Committee of the 2020 UCI Road World Championships Aigle Martigny has taken note of the Swiss Federal Council Ordinance on measures against the spread of COVID-19 under special circumstances, which stipulates that large events with more than 1,000 visitors or more than 1,000 participants are prohibited until September The UCI read out a statement issued by the UCI that "stipulates that large events with more than 1,000 visitors or more than 1,000 participants are prohibited until September 30, 2020. [As a result, the 2020 UCI Road World Championships in Aigle and Martigny will not be possible, as 45 countries will be quarantined from entering Switzerland on August 8, preventing the event from having the desired effect and depriving the 1,200 riders from 90 countries, from juniors to elites, of the opportunity to visit.

Grégory Devaud and Alexandre Debons, co-chairs of the organizing committee, said they are "saddened and disappointed" by the news that the toughest world championship race since Duitama in 1995 will be removed from the 2020 calendar.

"It is sad and disappointing. We have worked hard for nearly two years to deliver a spectacular event on an extraordinary course."

"We recognize that the national and global health situation requires careful attention and our thoughts are strongly with all those affected by this tragedy.

UCI President David Lapartier said last month that there is "no Plan B" if Switzerland is unable to host the world championships. However, at least the elite men's and women's road race titles could be saved, and Italy, with the COVID-19 infected under control, is the most likely candidate to host the race.

Italian reports suggest that Emilia Romagna and Veneto could support the UCI and host some kind of world championship. Emilia Romagna will host the 2019 Giro d'Italia's Grande Partenza and hopes to host the first ever Italian Tour de France grande département. Former rider Filippo Pozzato will host the Italian national championships on August 22 and could help save the world championships. However, Renato Di Rocco, president of the Italian federation, suggested

that the Italian regions do not have the financial resources to quickly host a major event.

The UCI confirmed a September 1 deadline for a final decision.

"Given the sporting importance of the UCI Road World Championships in cycling, the UCI would like to clarify that in order to ensure the 2020 event is held in Europe and on the dates originally planned, priority will be given to finding alternative projects." UCI said in a statement.

"All or some of the scheduled races could be included, and the UCI will look for host cities that can offer challenging routes such as the Aigle Martigny.

"Considering that time is of the essence for the athletes, the national federations and all those involved, the UCI will communicate more information as soon as possible and will make a final decision by September 1 at the latest.