British Cycling has extended its suspension of cycling events and races in the country until June 30. The British government placed the country on lockdown Monday night in response to the Covid 19 coronavirus pandemic.

Last week, British Cycling suspended all events, from races to sports to festivals, until the 30th. As of Monday night, 6,650 coronavirus-positive cases and 336 deaths have been reported in the country.

"Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus/covid-19 outbreak and the progress of government advice and guidance, British Cycling has taken the decision to extend the current suspension period on sanctioned cycling activities until June 30," the organization's statement.

"Given that all government guidance points to a period during which the public is being urged to come together to fight the spread of the virus, and given the unprecedented strain currently being placed on emergency and public services, we considered this the most responsible and only action we could take at this time. We felt that this was the most responsible and only action we could take at this time."

"We are acutely aware of the impact this situation has had on individuals, communities, and businesses inside and outside of cycling. We want to take this opportunity to share the disappointment of those affected by this extended suspension, while reinforcing that we will do absolutely everything within our power to ensure that cycling returns in force and as soon as possible."

The statement also advises cyclists to only go out alone or with a roommate once a day, in accordance with new guidelines issued by the government.

The Tour de Yorkshire, which was scheduled to run until early May, has already been cancelled, and the new suspension means that the British Championships, which normally take place in late June, will also be cancelled.

The Lincoln Grand Prix and Tour of the Reservoir in May and the Lancaster Grand Prix in June are among the major races sanctioned by British Cycling that will be affected by the new suspension.

Major races in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa have been cancelled in the wake of the pandemic and various government decrees. The men's and women's World Tour calendars are blank as of Tuesday morning until the end of May. The Criterium du Dauphiné and the Trofeo Alfredo Binda (changed to June 2) remain tentatively on the calendar.