The 106th Giro d’Italia has lost its biggest star – because of Corona. Remco Evenepoel leaves the race, even if the regulations no longer stipulate this as mandatory.
The exit of the world champion and overall first Remco Evenepoel at the 106th Giro d’Italia because of a positive corona test apparently had no alternative. “You never know what’s going on under the skin. No risk,” tweeted team boss Patrick Lefevere after the Soudal Quick Step cycling team had taken his star out of the race.
The world cycling association UCI relaxed the corona regulations at the beginning of the season. There are no longer mandatory tests, instead it is now up to the teams how they deal with the virus.
Evenepoel had previously won the second individual time trial at the Giro and reclaimed the overall leader’s pink jersey before the first rest day. After the stage, he complained of mild cold symptoms. “Corona no longer has the full force it used to have, but still…” Belgian virologist Marc van Ranst told Sporza broadcaster: “Evenepoel made the right decision for his health. In addition, you still live in a group there. You can infect anyone there, even now that the virus is less strong.”
Clear internal team procedures
At the start of the season, team doctor Yvan van Mol explained the team’s internal procedures: “We don’t know what the consequences of this will be for their heart system. Our role is to prevent our drivers who have tested positive for Corona from continuing to compete. We have afterwards not yet enough evidence to be sure that this will not affect their health.”
A total of six riders have dropped out because of Corona since the Giro started on May 6th. On Sunday, former Tour de France second Rigoberto Uran from Colombia also had to pass after an infection. Previously, the two-time time trial world champion Filippo Ganna and Bora-hansgrohe driver Giovanni Aleotti (both Italy) had been hit. Even before the race, some drivers had decided not to start after a positive test.
Evenepoel has already left by car, accompanied by his family. “I’m proud to leave the race with two stage wins and four pink jerseys,” wrote the 23-year-old youngster on Instagram. Evenepoel was next to the Slovenian Primoz Roglic the big favorite for the overall victory.
Source: Stern
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