Cyclists who test positive for COVID-19 will not automatically be expelled from the Tour de France, cycling’s governing body said on Wednesday.
The International Cycling Union has reported that the health risks from COVID-19 “are currently extremely low among the peloton” due to immunity induced by a very high vaccination rate, or previous infections that the cyclists and team members could have contracted.
Health passes, vaccination certificates or negative COVID-19 tests prior to participation in competitions are no longer required this season. If a cyclist or a member of the team tests positive for the virus, the decision to exclude them, or to isolate them, will be made jointly by the team doctor, the COVID-19 coordinator of the Tour de France and the medical director of the UCI “on the basis of 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 COVID-19. Other cyclists also gave up after presenting positive tests, including Domenico Pozzovivo and Rigoberto Urán.
The cycling federation said reported COVID-19 cases in France are very low, adding that the preventive measures put in place by Tour organizers to limit access and which require masks in specific areas are adequate.
“The rules introduced over the past three years in the interest of everyone’s health and safety must continue to apply,” insisted the UCI. These include maintaining sufficient physical distancing, frequent hand sanitizers and regular airing of enclosed spaces. »
