Considerable restrictions have been put on recreational cycling amid the coronavirus outbreak in Spain and Italy, with reports suggesting all cycling has been prohibited in Spain.
While some conflicting reports have surfaced over whether cycling is permitted with appropriate social distancing, or for purely utility purposes, numerous locals suggest that police are stopping all cyclists in Spain to demand explanations for travel.
Some cyclists are allegedly still being sent home despite making trips to work or shops, according to local reports.
If the journey is not for food or medical supplies, riders could face a €3,000 penalty, according to several sources on social media including podcaster Zwiftcast.
Endurance cyclist and popular social media figure Chris Hall, who is on training camp in Spain, also confirmed on our Facebook page, 'The police were very firmly saying don’t ride and they were stopping riders going outside. The fines rumoured were between €600-€3000.'
Spanish newspaper El Paisreports that fines begin at a more modest €100, but with the possibility of one year in prison should people disobey police and authority figures while they carry out their duties.
The restrictions appear to be in place not primarily over fear of infection while cycling, but rather the potential cost to emergency services in the event of a crash.
This follows advice from Carlos Mascias, a doctor from Madrid, which was posted out through the official Vuelta a Espana Twitter feed explaining that accidents while cycling could drain emergency service resources that need to be concentrated on the corona crisis.
The current lockdown in Spain was scheduled to last for 15 days, beginning on 14th March. However, depending on the severity of the outbreak across the country, restrictions could be in place for a greater length of time.
Italy allows socially-distanced cycling
While Italy has also placed restrictions on travel and cycling, those restrictions appear to be more relaxed than in Spain.
‘Cycling is allowed to reach the place of work, place of residence, as well as to reach shops and to carry out physical activity,’ the official government advice states.
With regard to cycling for exercise purposes, Italy appears to be less restrictive that Spain. ‘It is permitted to carry out sports or physical activities outdoors even by bicycle, provided that an interpersonal safety distance of at least one metre is observed.’
However, some sources have suggested that only professional cyclists will be permitted to train outdoors, and must carry their licence and paperwork with them while training. Numerous Italian semi-professional teams have suspended all outdoor training even on an individual basis.
Contrary to restrictions on cycling, some cities have made efforts to promote cycling as a way of reducing use of public transport, with New York City council planning temporary bike lanes to keep the city moving.
The UK’s position on cycling during a lockdown remains unclear, but during self-isolation official guidance suggested that cycling outdoors on an individual basis would be permitted.
Update: The view from a pro cyclist in Spain
With a huge number of pro cyclists residing in Girona and other parts of Spain, this could have impacts on training for the season ahead.
British pro cyclist Harry Tanfield is on training camp in Moraira, close to Calpe, and spoke to us about the experience of riding in Spain over the weekend.
'Judging by the way we got stopped yesterday, I don't think it's realistic to get around the ban here,' Tanfield said. 'They were polite, but told us to return home. The police presence on Spanish roads is a lot greater, too. You probably see a police car on most rides, even in normal times.'
In terms of training possibilities, that leaves many riders with complications. 'I had a mate nearby who had a turbo, so that's an option for me before I fly back on Friday,' he said. Some pros aren't so lucky, though.
'There was a female pro who messaged me who came here and booked to stay until 15th April, and she doesn't have much of a back-up plan on how to train.'
The challenge of indoor training will also divide pro cyclists, some of whom are more averse to it than others.
'Is the rider mentally strong enough to do 20 hours a week on the trainer?,' Tanfield wondered. 'It'll crack a lot of people. There are some people who absolutely love indoor training and thrive on the numbers. Personally I couldn't think of anything worse – I'd rather ride in the rain.'
Tanfield was critical of the divergence between Italy and Spain, saying, 'It's different rules for every country, it's just unprecedented.
'If you are an Italian pro cyclist you're at a massive advantage to a Spanish pro cyclist, who is only allowed to train indoors.'