The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has caused the postponement of the Women's Tour and Tour Series this summer. Organiser Sweetspot confirmed that both races would not take place on their scheduled dates due to the 'current international uncertainty' surrounding the COVID-19 virus.
The Women's Tour was due to take place between 8th and 13th June while the Tour Series was set to take place across various dates in May.
Regarding the Women's Tour, Sweetspot said that the international nature of the Women's WorldTour race would make it difficult to host
'The decision has been taken early in light of the worsening global situation, following discussions with event stakeholders and partners, in order to provide certainty to the many parties involved in the planning and organisation of the event, including local authorities, police and health services in the UK,' said the statement, released on Friday.
'As a part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour, the Women’s Tour attracts a significant international presence from teams, riders, officials, staff, media and spectators, and it is felt that the risk of increased restrictions on international travel would be detrimental to the future of the race should an early, and conclusive, decision not be made.'
Sweetspot said it would work closely with the UCI and British Cycling to find a suitable date later in the year.
These two races become the latest in a growing list of professional cycling races to be cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus.
Earlier today, RCS announced it would be postponing the Giro d'Italia until a later date, a week after already postponing Milan-San Remo, Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico.