Many current and former professional athletes joined Vincenzo Nibali (Trek-Segafredo) on Saturday as he raced the final 57 km of Milan-San Remo online. The project was organized by Garmin Edge and race organizer RCS and took place on the same day that Milan-San Remo was scheduled to participate. All major RCS races, including the first Monument of the season, the Tirreno-Adriatico and the Giro d'Italia, have been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

In an online ride not officially considered a race, 4,221 riders tackled the last 57 km of the race, including Tre Capi, Cipressa, and Poggio; Nibali, famous for his daring solo attack to win in 2018, and last year's Tour de Flanders winner He was joined by 1993 Milan-San Remo winner Maurizio Fondriest, Italian national coach Davide Cazzani, and former Giro d'Italia winner Ivan Basso. 2008 World Champion Alessandro Balan also made the start line.

"Milano-Sanremo is a race that holds a special place in my heart and one of my most beautiful victories," Nibali said in a press release from his team, Trek-Segafredo.

"Today I was able to run in a new and very enjoyable way. I was able to run the race route virtually from the comfort of my home. Even though it was virtual, I was able to run with my fans. And I ask that they persevere through this difficult time and stay home and continue to run indoors.

Several teams, led by Mitchelton Scott, have been running similar efforts on the Zwift platform in recent weeks. Many athletes from both men's and women's teams are participating in the event.

The surge in online riding comes as many countries around the world are forcing lockdowns and social distancing. In some countries, riding outside is completely banned. On Saturday, Daniel Martin did his part and urged everyone to stay indoors.

On Friday evening, Nibali gave a live Facebook interview in which he revealed his feelings about how serious the pandemic has become. Italy has become the world's worst infected country, with more than 4,000 deaths.

"My deepest sympathy goes out to all the victims of the virus and their families," Nibali said, expressing his sorrow for the many Italians who have lost loved ones to the spread of the Covid 19 virus.

"Often they are unable to say a final goodbye to those who have died from the virus. It is at times like this that we can only unite strongly and hope that things will improve."

[18] "It is good to see that so many people now understand the seriousness of the virus problem and are working hard to combat it. My message to you is to get through this at home with your family." We often live hectic, last-minute lives. Maybe this moment with your family will help you live differently in the future."