The European Road Championships were due to take place in the city of Trento from September 9 to 13.

The UEC has said two dates for next year’s Championships are being considered, with either September 1 to 5 or September 8 to 12 set to be chosen.

A decision will be announced in the coming months when the International Cycling Union publishes the 2021 calendar.

“Having acknowledged the consequences of the pandemic outbreak in the last few weeks we are pleased with an outcome that satisfies everybody, and puts us in the position to set up the event at its best, and produce the greatest redemption from both the technical and the promotional sides,” said Maurizio Rossini, Trentino Marketing chief executive.

The UEC are hoping to still hold a European Road Championships in 2020, with the organisation saying it is working with the UCI and national federations on alternatives for the event.

The organisation hopes to be able to award all titles in each category this season, across each of the UEC disciplines.

“This decision was taken in full agreement and co-operation with the parties concerned, namely the UEC, APT Trento, Monte Bondone, Valle dei Laghi and Trentino Marketing, the city of Trentino and Trento Eventi Sport, following a long series of discussions to try to organise the event, which due to the uncertainty of the current health crisis, does not provide the necessary guarantees for organising an event of such magnitude,” the UEC said.

“The postponement in the international calendar, already completely overturned this season, would also have jeopardised the technical level of the Championships.

“The UEC would like to convey its sincere thanks for the fantastic work that has been done over the last two years with passion and professionalism and for the great efforts that have been made recently to try and find a solution in order to give all cycling fans a first class edition of the European Road Championships, which will only be postponed by 12 months.”

Italy’s Elia Viviani won the men's road race last year, while the Netherlands’ Amy Pieters triumphed in the women's event.

The Championships are among a series of major cycling events to be impacted by the coronavirus, which has caused numerous cancellations and postponements across sport.

Italy has been among the worst impacted countries by coronavirus, with over 209,000 cases and the second highest death toll worldwide at over 28,000.

More than 3.4 million cases have been reported worldwide since the outbreak began, with over 242,000 deaths.