Jonathan Vaughters shares some concerns after Patrick Lefebvre expressed concern that the economic model of cycling teams would collapse if the Tour de France were cancelled.

The possibility of the Tour de France taking place this July is currently uncertain due to the coronavirus pandemic that is raging on every continent on the planet. Global sporting events have been canceled or postponed, and the cycling Spring Classics and Giro d'Italia are looking for alternate dates after the new year. The Olympics are scheduled to take place in July, but the IOC is facing pressure to postpone the sporting extravaganza.

On Saturday, Patrick Lefebvre said cycling's sponsorship model could collapse. He linked the possible cancellation of the Tour de France as the main rationale, but linked it to the idea that brands supporting team sponsors would face a direct financial burden.

"Of course I share his concerns," Vaughters told Cycling News from his home in Colorado on Sunday afternoon.

"We depend on sponsorships, and cycling offers spectacular value for every dollar spent, but if companies can't do business and weather that storm, it doesn't matter how much value they can offer."

Both Lefebvre and Vaughters know how volatile cycling sponsorship can be. Vaughters nearly let his team go under a few years ago, but with the support of EF Education First and donations from fans, he was able to get back on his feet. Lefebvier has been forced to cut its budget for several years in a row, despite owning the most prolific team in cycling.

Asked if the team could be crippled by the coronavirus and the resulting economic problems, Vaughters admitted that virtually all WorldTour teams would soon be under pressure.

"Depending on how the world economy is doing, there is not a single team that will not be affected by this. With oil prices at an all-time low, teams that are sponsored by oil or mining will be affected, and so will the rest of the teams. Probably not as many people will be renovating their kitchens or remodeling their apartments. It depends on how long the economic impact lasts. I have seen a few comments that it would not be a problem for the teams because they have a contract, but that is pretty silly. When a company is suffering financially and needs legal protection, contracts are not worth much.

What is important for Vaughters is that despite the level of uncertainty, the team rallies and helps its supporters as much as possible in terms of providing exposure and value for money. The Tour de France is arguably the best race in the world, but teams must diversify their exposure.

"Now more than ever, as a sport, we should look at how we can help our sponsors. We want to be a productive asset. Now we are looking at how we can create value for our sponsors in the short and medium term. We have absolutely no control over whether or not the Tour will happen. We are trying to create interesting content that is valuable to sponsors and fans, that will attract them, keep them looking forward, and keep them motivated. We are not thinking more than a week ahead."

It's still early days, but as cycling moves through this period of great upheaval, Vaughters also hopes that the sport will take a step back and consider its own future.

"The general gist is that this may be an opportunity to take a step back and really consider how cycling is set up from a strategic perspective," he said. It has grown organically over the years and there will be an element of attrition to see how professional cycling is set up, so maybe this is an opportunity. There may be an economic reality coming that will make everyone think about what they need and what they don't need."