Tejay Van Garderen left Paris-Nice to return to the US before President Donald Trump's travel ban begins.

Van Garderen, who finished 21st in the stage 4 time trial, did not start stage 5 on Thursday.

The team did not issue any communication related to his withdrawal from the race, but Van Garderen himself confirmed the reason for his withdrawal in an Instagram post (opens in new tab) on Thursday afternoon.

"Obviously a tough decision. I believe my brother @sergioandreshiguita (Sergio Iguita) will win Paris-Nice. But I can't celebrate with him in Nice. My wife and children were going to travel from the US to Nice for the final, but given the current situation, I had no choice but to see them and risk being separated," Van Garderen wrote.

"So I'm going back to the US. Hopefully this situation will be resolved soon and everyone can get back to normal life. I hope that this situation will be resolved and we can continue with the Tour de Romandie and the rest of the season. Until then, we will continue to train and prepare. There are many races left in the season. But health, safety, and family come first. Until then: ...... Good luck @efprocycling !!!!!!."

On Wednesday, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, President Trump announced that he would restrict travel to the United States from Europe, particularly countries in the open border Schengen zone, including France. The ban, which will take effect at 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday and last for 30 days, will not apply to non-U.S. citizens.

"The restrictions apply to aliens who have been in the Schengen area (26 European countries with open border agreements) in the past 14 days," the White House statement said. Those exempt from these restrictions, such as U.S. citizens, "will be directed to limited airports where screening is available.

Although not applicable to U.S. citizens, Van Garderen was reportedly cautious and did not want to take any risks.

Van Garderen's decision is a blow to EF Pro Cycling, which has Sergio Iguita in fourth place in the overall title chase. The Colombian is 1:06 behind race leader Max Schachmann, and Van Garderen was scheduled to play a support role as the race turned hilly on the southbound leg to Nice.

Van Garderen's withdrawal from Paris-Nice is the latest in a series of disruptions to professional cycling racing due to the Covid 19 coronavirus outbreak, which was declared a global pandemic on Wednesday.

All Italian races in March (including Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico, Milan-San Remo, and Trofeo Alfredo Binda) have been canceled, and the UAE Tour ended two days early due to a virus outbreak at a team hotel. Several teams have withdrawn from the March races, and the Spring Classics and Volta a Catalunya are also in jeopardy.

Paris-Nice will be held, but "behind closed doors," with limited fan access to the start and finish areas. Race director Christian Prudhomme insisted yesterday that the race would end on Sunday, but riders are reportedly doubtful that the race will reach Nice, 30 km from the Italian border.