Marc Madio, manager of Groupama-FDJ, said he is open to the idea of the 2020 Tour de France being held behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic that has restricted rallies in France.

"Technically, it won't be easy for ASO, but we have TV and it will be a symbol.

"For the economy of procycling and the psychological well-being of the French people, it is good to return to normal life in the country in July."

The cycling season is currently suspended, with the spring classics and Giro d'Italia postponed to a later date. [Both the Euro 2020 soccer and Tokyo 2020 Olympics have been postponed until 2021, while the Roland Garros tennis event has been postponed until September.

For the time being, the 2020 Tour de France will be held as scheduled, with the Grande Palais scheduled to take place in Nice on June 27. With more than 29,000 confirmed Covid-19 cases in France and a current blockade in place, Sports Minister Roxana Maracinéanu floated the idea of holding the Tour without spectators this week.

Malachineanu and the French government previously allowed Tour organizer ASO to host the Paris-Nice, despite progressively tighter restrictions on public gatherings as the number of Covid-19 cases in the country is confirmed.

Seven WorldTour teams withdrew from the Paris-Nice start, and two more left before the race ended a day early in La Colmiane; ASO banned spectator access to the start and finish areas and reduced podium ceremonies and media access.

The 2020 Tour, which traverses the country during its 3,470 km length, is extremely difficult to blockade, and the event's place in the public image in France and abroad owes much to the proximity between the riders and the public.

"Deep down, I only wish the Tour would take place in July," Madiot said.

"It's a small light to boost morale. Even if that hope is distant, it is what we need right now. If the race goes ahead as scheduled, then we will be assuming a return to normal conditions after the blockade."