Mitchelton Scott announced Friday that it has launched a virtual ride series amid a series of race cancellations and precautions regarding coronavirus infection.

The "BikeExchange - Where the World Rides Series" will kick off with a "gravel" ride featuring world champion Annemiek van Fruten and Tour de France stage winners Simon Yates and Daryl Impey Opening.

"Following the recent decision to withdraw from all races as a result of COVID-19 concerns, Mitchelton Scott today launched the BikeExchange - Where the World Rides Series.

Mitchelton Scott announced Wednesday that it has withdrawn both the men's and women's teams from all racing effective immediately, at least until March 22. The decision was made in light of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak in Europe.

However, a decree issued by the Italian government later that day banned all sporting events that cannot be held privately as part of an effort to protect public health. On Thursday, RCS Sport decided to cancel the Strade Bianche, and on Friday announced the postponement of the Tirreno Adriatico and Milan - Sanremo.

The women's team also withdrew the now-canceled Strade Bianche (March 7), along with Ronde van Drenthe (March 15), Danilis Nokele Coase (March 18), and Trofeo Binda (March 22). The organizers of the Trofeo Alfredo Binda have requested a change to June 2.

Van Vleuten, who won Strade Bianche last year, said he supports Mitchelton Scott's decision to withdraw his team from the March event.

"There is no Strade Bianche for our team and at the moment there is no race until after March 22. Please read the statement for more details (from the team's press release below)," Van Vleuten posted on Twitter.

"Very sad as I was really looking forward to the race. Tough decision, but thanks to Mitchelton Scott for putting everyone's health first."

"I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of the team,"

"I'm so sorry for the loss of the team.

According to the team's press release, the newly launched "BikeExchange - Where the World Rides Series" aims to keep riders and team staff inspired during non-racing periods, and also to provide cycling fans also provides a unique opportunity for cycling fans to ride and interact with their favorite stars.

The series kicks off this weekend with a gravel ride in honor of the cancelled Strade Bianche race.

The full schedule of rides will be announced at a later date, but will include the following concepts. Mixed team race, race with your heroes, see how well you can hold off the Michelton Scott Boys & Girls in this unique race format; Fan race: fans can enter to be teammates of their favorite rider and that rider will "road " The rider will represent the rider as captain at the.