The Tour of Hainan 2020 has been postponed due to a coronavirus outbreak.

The week-long race in China was scheduled to run from February 23 to March 1. [But on Monday, race organizers announced that the race would not take place.

"In order to avoid the risk of spreading the new coronavirus by hosting the Tour of Hainan and to protect the health and lives of the riders, referees, staff, and spectators, the organizing committee has decided to postpone the race," the statement said.

The new coronavirus, which can cause pneumonia and organ failure, has so far killed 80 people, left 400 in critical condition, and infected another 2,500.

The outbreak is believed to have occurred in the Chinese province of Wuhan, located 1,500 km north of Hainan.

"Depending on the progress of the epidemic, the organizing committee will announce a specific date through official channels," the statement added regarding a possible new date for the race.

On Monday afternoon, the UCI issued a statement confirming the postponement: "The UCI notes that the competitions on these dates have been cancelled and approves the request from the Chinese National Federation to hold them at a later date if there is space on the 2020 calendar.

"The UCI has been in regular contact with the Chinese authorities and has been informed by them of developments in the health situation in China and its impact on the hosting of cycling events, and the UCI will take the necessary decisions to ensure the safety of all parties.

The next road race scheduled in China is the Tour of Chongming Island, a Women's World Tour event in early May.

The postponement of the Tour of Hainan follows the cancellation of the 2020 Tour of Oman due to mourning following the death of Sultan Qaboos.