The post-COVID-19 calendar got a boost when the Burgos state government approved the 2020 Vuelta a Burgos (2. Pro Rank stage race) to be held from July 28 to August 1. The final decision will be made by the Ministry of Health, which will set requirements for events to be held as the coronavirus epidemic eases.

"If we can meet these requirements, we will be there," said Cesar Rico, president of the state government, according to burgosconecta.es (opens in new tab).

Race organizers sent a letter to Salvador Ila, the minister of health, asking for approval of the event and guidelines to be followed.

"The main thing is public health," Rico said.

As the coronavirus pandemic has slowed local budgets, Rico said, "The budget for Vuelta remains intact and the organization continues to work, but we are concerned about the sanitary conditions that will be imposed."

So far, the government has made no decisions on how professional cycling will proceed in Spain, addressing only league sports like soccer, which are played without spectators. It is unclear what rules will be established to ensure an entourage of about 1,400 people traveling around the province.

Spain has seen more than 27,000 deaths and nearly 250,000 infections from the coronavirus, but strict blockade measures have slowed the spread over the past month. Spain has gone from a peak of 9,600 infected in one day to less than 500 on Sunday.

The government gradually began easing restrictions, allowing restaurants to serve only a limited number of customers and allowing beaches to reopen. However, foreigners must undergo quarantine for 14 days.

"We are in an extremely serious health situation," Rico said.

The race is expected to attract top World Tour riders as they flood in to hone their form for the Tour de France at the end of August. With past winners including Ivan Sosa, Mikel Landa, Alberto Contador, and Nairo Quintana, the stature of this race may be higher than ever.

Even the Socialist Party, which in the past has been critical of state governments funding sporting events, supported this year's event. David Jurado, a representative of the Socialist Party, said, "If there is one year in which it makes sense to celebrate the Vuelta Ciclista a Burgos, it is 2020."