Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer

The 2020 Joe Martin Stage Race has been postponed as part of many measures being taken to prevent the spread of germs in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

The four-day event is one of the longest, continually held professional cycling races in the country. It was scheduled to take place April 2-5 in Fayetteville.

For 42 years, the race has grown to include over 500 professional and amateur athletes from 20 countries who fill hotels and guest homes across town and the surrounding area. The event includes road races, an individual time trial, and a criterium in downtown Fayetteville.

The postponement came early Sunday after national governing body USA Cycling announced it would suspend all event permits through April 5.

JMSR organizers said the plan is to reschedule the race for sometime later in the year.