Christian Prudhomme insisted on finishing the Paris-Nice race despite the continued spread of the Covid 19 coronavirus in France. The race reached the halfway point with Max Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) in the yellow jersey after Wednesday's time trial in Saint-Main-Montrond.

"At this moment, we have 100% assurance that Paris-Nice will arrive in Nice on Wednesday afternoon. 'This is the reality now, but the race will indeed arrive in Nice.'

More than 1,700 Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in France, and President Emmanuel Macron will deliver a televised address to the nation on the situation Thursday evening. France is expected to declare Covid-19 epidemic stage 3 within days.

France has already taken steps to restrict public gatherings and sporting events in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus. On Wednesday night, Paris Saint-Germain played a closed-door game in the Champions League, and the French rugby team's Six Nations match against Ireland this weekend has been postponed.

The French Sports Ministry agreed to host the Paris-Nice last week, but organizer ASO has taken several steps in light of the Covid 19 epidemic. The podium and signing-on ceremonies were scaled back and spectators were kept away from the start and finish lines.

"It's heartbreaking because the essence of our sport is to mingle with people," Prudhomme said. 'But this is an exceptional measure for an exceptional situation. The public understands that very well. The message has been received favorably

"At one point I feared [Paris-Nice] would not start. At 4:30 on Sunday, after the finish of the first stage, I said to myself: we've won the battle." We have now won the battle, but there are seven to go."

Asked if he is concerned about ASO's other major races, Paris-Roubaix (April 12) and the Tour de France (June 27-July 19), Prudhomme said, "We are 100% focused on Paris-Nice. That's the reality, so I can't say anything else. As for the rest, if there is a directive, we will respect it."

Prudhomme added, "We are not going to say anything else.

Prudhomme was questioned about the same matter by France Télévisions (opens in new tab) earlier Wednesday. We are really like tennis players, doing one point at a time, one game at a time, one set at a time," Prudhomme said. Paris-Roubaix will be the next dossier. As for the Tour de France, only two world wars stopped the Tour de France."