Unlike the previous rest day, this time the Tour did have positives in the screening carried out by the organization. After finishing the day on Sunday in Carcassonne, the runners went directly to take the COVID test in a building located 800 meters from the finish. Two of the runners tested positive for these tests: “Complementary biological examination is required. The two riders in question are not in the top 20 of the general classification. Although these cyclists are completely asymptomatic, security measures (isolation of the two cyclists) have been implemented to protect the other participants,” says the UCI.
There have been eight retirements for this reason in the race so far: Warren Barguil, Vegard Stake Laengen, George Bennett, Guillaume Martin, Geoffrey Bouchard, Luke Durbridge, Magnus Cort and Simon Clarke. Two others, Bob Jungels and Rafal Majka, also tested positive days ago, but were able to continue in the race due to the new UCI protocol, which, having no symptoms or contagious load, is studying the case and the runner would not have to leave. Now, two new cases, whose future in the race remains to be seen: “The final decision on their participation in the rest of the event will be made tomorrow morning in a collegial manner by the interested parties (doctors of the event and the Covid-19 team, and the UCI Medical Director)”, emphasizes the UCI. Before the 16th stage the verdict will be known.
It should be remembered that the COVID protocol was modified just before this Tour de France, so a runner could remain in the race if they are positive.. The first to take advantage of this measure was Bob Jungels, just before the start in Copenhagen, and later managed to win a stage, the ninth. “The UCI reminds all participants that the rules introduced over the last two years continue to apply in the interest of everyone’s health and safety. These include the obligation to wear a mask, maintain sufficient physical distance and frequently sanitize your hands.” The feeling in a large part of the peloton is that this is the year that COVID is hitting the Tour the most, something that seemed the opposite just before the Great Depart on July 1st. The one who will not be at the start this Tuesday is the Danish Jakob Fuglsang, from Israel, after his crash in Sunday’s stage. Despite being able to reach the finish line, the tests revealed that he has a fractured rib and leaves the race.
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