Tour de France contender Julian Alaphilippe has admitted he would 'rather not imagine' a Tour de France without spectators amid speculation the three-week race could take place 'behind closed doors'.

Last week, French minister Roxana Maracineanu discussed the possibility of doing the Tour without any fans on the side of the road.

And while Alaphilippe insists he will still ride race if the coronavirus pandemic means crowds are not allowed, he does not feel it would be the same.

Speaking to RMC Sport, he said: "Everyone understands that they have to stay at home, therefore watching television rather than attending any live events. As a result, it wouldn't be too difficult to have to have to watch the Tour on television.

"I think it would be unique. I'd rather not imagine it. The public are part of the Tour de France. Imagine the World Cup in a stadium without an audience.

"If we have to do it, we'll do it, but I'd rather imagine the virus will go away and we'll do it with the public."

Alaphilippe finished fifth at last year's Tour. This year's event is due to start on June 27 in Nice.