Italian professional and Olympic-level athletes will not be allowed to train on public roads until at least May 3. However, according to Renato Di Rocco, president of the Italian Cycling Federation, the Giro d'Italia (open under new tab) can be held in October to protect the Italian racing season.

The Italian government imposed a nationwide blockade on March 9, and the number of cases and deaths from the COVID-19 coronavirus (opens in new tab) has come to a head and is expected to decline over the next few days. However, more than 18,000 people have died, and medical experts warn that the country still has a long struggle ahead to reduce the virus' risk.

Since Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced on April 14 that some non-essential stores and industries would be allowed to reopen, the Italian Professional Riders Association had hoped to obtain permission for outdoor training, which is considered an important part of their employment.

However, Italian Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora told Di Rocco that the resumption of training on public roads would not be permitted until at least May 3.

When the blockade first began, professional riders were allowed to train outdoors, but many riders were ordered to stay home after receiving abuse and threats from the public and being considered a bad example to more people.

"We have analyzed in detail the possibilities of returning outdoors, but the problem is that too many cases are still concentrated in the North, where many riders and teams are based. We have been working hard in recent weeks to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases, but it is still important to stay home," DiRocco told Il Messaggero (opens in new tab).

"Professional and Olympic athletes will probably be allowed to train outdoors starting May 3. We cannot use the military or police to protect them during training."

Di Rocco was quoted as saying that the Giro d'Italia and all European races could be canceled due to the effects of the COVID-19 virus and its slow return to normal. However, he quickly denied such statements and suggested that the Giro d'Italia could be held in October as part of a completely redesigned race calendar.

"There is a desire to resume the race, but it must be done while respecting protocols and laws and regulations to protect public health," Di Rocco told Tuttobiciweb. (Open in new tab)

"I'd like to see the Giro d'Italia in October, because in these difficult times, the Giro can be a great way to re-energize everyone and promote Italy.