Deceuninck-QuickStep general manager Patrick Lefebvre is anxiously awaiting the return of his racers to racing. After visiting the high altitude camp in Val di Fassa, Northern Italy, he warned Het Laatste Nieuws (open in new tab) that the race interruption due to the coronavirus has had a major impact on the team's finances and a second race interruption would be "fatal."

"We estimate that the loss of direct revenue is already 1.3 million euros. 'But the year is not over yet. The final balance sheet will not be known until December 31. We expect the damage to amount to between 3 and 4 million euros."

"The amount of the damage is estimated to be between 3 and 4 million euros.

This amount includes the three months of scheduled races, including the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, Vuelta a España and the Classics.

"If the corona [virus] paralyzes everything again, we are in total shit. They won't ask businessmen all over the world to invest in us without giving us something in return. Sponsors will not continue to pay for our beautiful blue eyes.

Deceuninck-QuickStep gathered the entire team in Italy. The world tour will resume on August 1 at Strade Bianche.

"I am physically and mentally ready for the season to resume," Lefebvre said, "but with the virus hardly under control in countries such as the United States, Brazil, India, and Russia, and the outbreak again in Australia, the The chances of a surge are chilly, he says.

He hopes the race will be COVID-19 free. 'The big condition is that everyone use common sense. And not to screw up any more. We must not tempt fate, as some have done in recent weeks. The virus is invisible. But the virus exists. It is on the prowl like a sniper. Pay attention. Because a second economic blockade would be deadly. A disaster for all of us."

According to Lefebvia, April was the worst month for the team's sponsors, who questioned their ability to continue supporting the team while putting 2,000 employees out of work. Fortunately, the situation improved and Rufebbia was able to negotiate a contract extension with the sponsor through the end of 2021.

"But we must not stop there. I sincerely hope there will be a follow-up," he said.