Rally Cycling may have to rely on Canadian riders to support Chloe Hoskin at La Course by Le Tour de France in Nice on August 29. The U.S.-based Continental team has been invited to compete in the one-day Women's World Tour race, but travel restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus may prevent American riders from entering France.

"With the current restrictions on travel from the U.S. to Europe, we may need to consider a team consisting of Canadian riders and 2016 (La Course) champion Chloe Hosking for La Course," Jake Aker, chief operating officer of Rally Cycling COO of Rally Cycling, told Cycling News.

The UCI released its revised late-season calendar in May, and while some events have already been canceled, the Women's World Tour has retained 15 of its original 22 events. will be held.

In announcing the calendar, ASO announced that La Course would be changed from the July 19 circuit race on the Champs-Elysées in Paris and would be held in parallel with the opening stage of the Tour de France. ASO later published a map of the new route on its website, and the women will race a 96-km road race, including two climbs over the Côte de Limiese in Category 3.

The ASO also announced the 23 teams invited to compete in the one-day race, with Rally Cycling earning one of them. The team confirmed that it will be racing in support of Australian Chloe Hosking, who won the 2016 event. However, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, it remains unclear which teammates will be able to support her.

The European Union confirmed in late June that it will not allow U.S. citizens and residents to enter the country when pandemic restrictions are relaxed on July 1 because the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus cannot be contained.

"We want to get more Americans to compete and have a full team at Nice and future tournaments. Ultimately, it's up to the European Union to decide when they can compete, other than exempting professional players," Elker said.

Rally Cycling has a long history of supporting Canadian athletes, and current contracted riders include Sarah Bergen, Alison Beveridge, and Sara Poidevin. Rally Cycling may only be able to use four riders to support Hoskin in his quest for a La Course win.

American riders include Krista Dobel Hickok, Heidi Franz, Lee Ann Ganser, Emma White, Lily Williams, and Megan Justrab.

According to UCI rules, the maximum number of riders allowed to compete in a Women's WorldTour one-day event is six, with a minimum of four allowed to start the race. However, Rally Cycling confirmed to the UCI that due to this circumstance, they are seeking more information on the minimum number of riders required.

"Rally Cycling is committed to the safety and well-being of its riders and staff. We will abide by the rules before us and the concerns of our riders and staff as we plan our return to racing."