The two-day event had been scheduled to take place from August 29 to 30 in Annecy.

The decision comes after French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said that no sporting events will be staged in the country before September - even those without any spectators present.

"Dear friends, it is with a heavy heart that I announce that the Martin Fourcade Nordic Festival 2020 will be cancelled,” said Fourcade.

“Because the health of everyone - athletes, spectators, volunteers - is our priority, and because of the recent decisions announced by the French Government to combat the Covid-19 epidemic, we will not be able to meet on the Annecy Pâquier on August 29 and 30 2020.

“We are already looking forward to meeting you in 2021 to get together around this sport that we love so much, and celebrate the best cross-country skiers and biathletes in the world.”

The two-day event would have been the second edition of the festival, which was first held last year.

The 2019 event was organised by Fourcade and French company ALYANSKI.

The festival featured biathletes and cross-country skiers racing on rollerskates, with thousands of supporters present.

Seven races were due to take place this year, with 30 international athletes confirmed to have been attending.

Fourcade, a five-time Olympic gold medallist and 13-time world champion, was due to feature in the competitions.

The French biathlon great retired at the conclusion of this year’s World Cup season.

Italy’s Dorothea Wierer and Norwegian star Johannes Thingnes Bø were among the international athletes scheduled to participate.