Marcel Kittel said he is skeptical about hosting the 2020 Tour de France despite the ASO's change of dates to August 29-September 20.

French race organizers announced last week that the race would be postponed until the fall because a coronavirus outbreak has banned rallies in France until at least mid-July.

The German, who won 14 stages of the Tour de France and retired last year, said ASO should not be criticized for having contingency plans in place for the prospect of hosting the race in 2020.

"It was reasonable to take the necessary time to find the best solution, but we have to be aware that the new dates are not a sure thing, given the pandemic," Kittel told Omnisport (opens in new tab).

"You have to decide at that point if it can be justified for the participants and the audience. I am skeptical. Devi Sridhar, a public health expert and professor of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, told Cycling News last week that holding the Tour de France in September is a "recipe for disaster" and that "the Tour de France's move will unwittingly allow the virus spread and risk starting a new blockade," he said.

These thoughts were echoed by medical professionals that Sporza later interviewed.

"I want the Tour to take place, but in good conditions," Kittel said.

"It all depends on the situation. It may be decided by politicians and experts that the race will be held in a safe way ...... But for me, there is no chance that the Tour will be held this fall. Many other important events have been cancelled. Who knows what will happen in six months.