Cycling’s governing body announced Wednesday that Tour de France riders who test positive for the coronavirus will not be automatically banned from the race.
The International Cycling Federation said that the health risks associated with the coronavirus are “currently very high in the peloton, as immunity may have been induced by very high rates of vaccination, or riders and staff may have been previously infected. low,” he said.
This season, pre-competition health passes, vaccination certificates, or negative COVID-19 tests are no longer required. If a rider or team member tests positive for the virus, the decision to exclude or isolate them will be “based on clinical factors and made by the team doctor, the Tour de France coronavirus coordinator and the UCI medical director. We would like to inform you of the available information and the results of the COVID-19 tests that we will be doing jointly. “
Earlier this season, Giro d’Italia leader and race favorite Remco Evenepol withdrew after testing positive for coronavirus. Other riders, including Domenico Pozzovivo and Rigoberto Uran, withdrew after testing positive.
The cycling federation said the number of reported coronavirus cases in France was very low, adding that the precautions implemented by tour organizers, such as restricting entry and requiring the wearing of masks in certain zones, were adequate. .
“The rules introduced in the last three years should continue to apply for the health and safety of all,” the UCI said. “This includes maintaining adequate physical distancing, frequent hand sanitizing, and regular ventilation of enclosed spaces.”
