Tour de France riders can race despite a COVID-19 positive
Tour de France riders who test positive for COVID-19 will not be automatically kicked out of the race, cycling’s governing body said on Wednesday.
The International Cycling Union said health risks associated with the coronavirus are “extremely low in the peloton at the moment” due to immunity induced by very high vaccination rates, or previous infections suffered by riders and staff.
Health passes, vaccination certificates or negative COVID-19 tests prior to participating in competitions are no longer required this season. If a rider or team member tests positive for the virus, the decision to exclude or isolate them will be taken collectively by the team doctor, the Tour de France coronavirus coordinator and the UCI medical director “based on the clinical elements” . available and the results of the COVID-19 test.”
Earlier this season, Giro d’Italia leader and race favorite Remco Evenepoel withdrew after testing positive for the corona virus. Other riders also retired after positive tests, including Domenico Pozzovivo and Rigoberto Urán.
The cycling federation said very few cases of coronavirus have been reported in France, adding that the preventive measures taken by Tour organizers that restrict access and require masks in specific zones are sufficient.
“The rules that have been put in place over the past three years in the interest of everyone’s health and safety must continue to apply,” the UCI said. “This includes keeping sufficient physical distance, frequently disinfecting hands and regularly ventilating closed spaces.”
