The Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) called off the Critérium du Dauphiné this May 31 until the COVID-19 situation is under control in Europe. France currently has reported 52,870 cases.

Dane Jakob Fuglsang (Astana) won the 2019 race overall as he prepared for the Tour de France. The ASO will be forced to make a decision on the 2020 Tour de France, starting June 27, soon.

"As part of the fight against the spread of COVID-19, the UCI Governing Body, along with all the involved parties, have taken the decision to prolong the suspension of cycling competitions until 1 June 2020, and until further notice," read a press release by ASO.

"The organizers of the Critérium du Dauphiné, in agreement with the UCI, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region and other involved parties, have decided to begin working to reschedule the race."

The Tour build up race was set to start from Clermont-Ferrand on May 31 and run through to the June 7, this year slightly earlier due to the Olympics – which have already been called off until 2021. 

The statement continued, "The organizers would like to thank the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region and all of the race partners for their understanding and their support as they work towards finding a new date for one of the most greatest races in the international cycling calendar."

The ASO is constantly assessing the Coronavirus situation in France. 

"The priority is the health of the nation," insisted ASO president Christian Prudhomme. "For now the Tour de France dates remain the same. The most important word in the Tour de France is 'France'."

The president of the UCI, David Lappartient made the announcement of the extended suspension on Wednesday.

The UCI says it is preparing a new potential calendar taking into account different scenarios and will present it in the coming weeks.