The UCI has extended the suspension of all road races and other events until Monday, June 1, as it seeks to create a new post-cobid 19 calendar for the second half of the season that takes into account various viral scenarios and seeks to support and protect the sport's biggest races.

On Wednesday, after a lengthy conference call between the UCI and representative bodies of race organizers (AIOCC), teams (AIGCP), and riders (CPA), the sport's governing body said that no races could take place for at least another two months as the world continues to fight to slow the spread of the deadly virus accepted that the race would not be held for at least two more months.

The UCI also agreed to set up a working group to consider requests from teams about the possibility of sacrificing riders' salaries. Lot Soudal and Astana have already announced temporary salary reductions, and other teams have also enrolled their team staff in national benefits programs.

Other major teams are also expected to seek significant pay cuts for their riders after Covid 19 had a significant impact on their business, as sponsors struggled or refused to honor sponsorship agreements.

The spread of the Covid-19 virus around the world, particularly in Europe, has led most countries to impose strict blockades and social distancing measures in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus and the availability of critical medical services.

Whether life will then return to normal, whether professional riders will be allowed to train outdoors, and whether races will be held in public will depend on the outcome of the fight against Covid-19.

"Following the meeting, and given the severity of the health situation around the world, the UCI and its stakeholders unanimously decided to extend the suspension of cycling until further notice, until June 1, 2020... The UCI also decided that this extension would apply to all cycling disciplines and all categories of riders. The UCI has decided to apply it," said a UCI press statement."

"Confirming the principles of the extension of the men's and women's road season announced on March 18 (opens in new tab), the UCI does not exclude the possibility of postponing the end of the season accordingly, once the date of resumption of racing is known."

"The UCI confirms the principle of the extension of the men's and women's road season (opens in new tab) and the UCI does not rule out the possibility of postponing the end of the season accordingly if the date of the resumption of racing becomes known.

"In its role as the governing body of our sport, the UCI is working on a framework for the future UCI international road calendar, based on its interaction with stakeholders and prioritizing the three Grand Tours and cycling monuments. The results of this internal work will be announced when the conditions are right."

The UCI had already announced a suspension of all races until the end of April, wiping out the spring classics calendar. The extension means that all races in May will be canceled or postponed, adding to the hundreds of races hoping to find new slots later in the season.

According to a report in La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 2020 season will be extended until November, with as many races as possible.

The new date of June 1 will affect races beyond the Giro d'Italia's May slot, and the Criterium du Dauphiné in France, scheduled for May 31-June 7, is involved in a new race interruption. Because this week-long French stage race is considered an important prelude to the Tour de France, the sport's biggest Grand Tour may also have to be moved back from its original date of June 27-July 19.

The UCI confirmed that it has received over 450 requests to postpone or cancel the event.

UCI Vice President Renato Di Rocco indicated before the conference call that July 1, July 15, and August 1 are being considered as start dates for the post-coronavirus calendar. [The Vuelta a España is scheduled for late August, but the Giro d'Italia could be delayed until October. The One-Day Classic and other races are expected to be held from early August to late September, in conjunction with the Road World Championships, which will be held September 20-27.

However, a return to racing will likely come only after the number of people infected with Covid-19 has dropped dramatically, countries are freed from the blockade, and life begins to return to normal.

The UCI called on all stakeholders in cycling to unite as the world tries to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.

"In this extremely difficult situation, the UCI, as the world organization for cycling, will continue to consult with various families to find the best solution for our sport. In this time of widespread instability that is undermining the financial situation of all parties, the UCI again calls on all to remain united, responsible and strong.