Organizers of the Maryland Cycling Classic have announced that the 1. Pro Rank one-day race will be postponed until 2021 due to a coronavirus outbreak. However, United Healthcare has secured a new sponsor and has pledged support for next year's event.

The race will start in Baltimore County and finish in Baltimore City, and organizers had hoped to attract top competitors by putting the event on the calendar five days before the two North American World Tour races in Montreal and Quebec. Community and lifestyle events are a big part of the cycling extravaganza scheduled for the weekend.

Unlike New Zealand, which has eradicated COVID-19, the coronavirus pandemic is not yet under control in the United States, with the death toll topping 100,000 this week. The Baltimore-DC area is one of the hardest hit areas in the U.S., but Maryland showed promising signs last week. Governor Larry Hogan eased regulations this week to allow outdoor dining, some youth sports, and day camps, but no major events have been scheduled yet.

"I commend the organizers of the Maryland Cycling Classic for making this difficult but necessary decision to help Maryland fight the COVID-19 pandemic," said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski.

"Baltimore County honors this community asset and looks forward to working together to ensure that the 2021 race is safe and successful.

The U.S. calendar has been hit hard by cancellations due to the coronavirus, with races being canceled before the season even begins. The Joe Martin Stage Race, Tour of the Gila, Tour de Beauce, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, and the Chrono Christine Armstrong and White Spot/Delta road races have all been canceled.

While the domestic peloton gathered at Zwift for the Virtual Redlands Bicycle Classic, the Virtual Tour of the Gila, and a similar event by Joe Martin, the news of the cancellation of the Maryland Cycling Classic in September was American would be gloomy news for racers in the United States.

Event manager Medalist Sports has been busy finalizing details for this year's event, but will now focus on the upcoming season.

Chris Aronhardt, owner and president of Medalist Sports, said, "In addition to firm commitments with our partners for the inaugural 2020 event, we were also making great progress on the operational side, working on venues, route options, team invitations, and broadcast strategy.

"We share the disappointment with our fans around the world and all those who celebrate the sport of cycling, but we also recognize the challenges pandemic has brought. Postponing the event is the best decision for the future of the Maryland Cycling Classic and the Baltimore community. The future is bright, especially with the support of UnitedHealthcare."

UnitedHealthcare previously sponsored top-level men's and women's professional cycling teams in addition to supporting other events. Former UHC and current Rally Cycling athlete Gavin Mannion welcomed the company's support for the Maryland Cycling Classic.

"I am very excited to see UnitedHealthcare and other sponsors stepping up to support cycling at this time of year. I know their commitment to the sport will get us through this difficult time."

"As an American athlete, it is exciting to see a one-day UCI Pro Series event in the United States. Since I became a professional cyclist, there have been some very high-level stage races in the U.S., but there always seemed to be a shortage in the one-day division.