The latest test series at the Tour de France did not result in any further corona cases. This was announced by the world cycling association UCI on Monday (07/11/2022), the second rest day of this year’s Tour of France. The tests were carried out on Sunday evening.
The concern among the drivers was great after three professional cyclists had to return home at the weekend because of a positive corona test.
Mandatory corona tests on the tour on the days of rest
Corona tests were mandatory before the start of the tour in Copenhagen and on the rest days for the drivers. However, many teams have voluntarily had tests carried out in order to detect infections in good time. On Sunday, after the ninth stage, all drivers had to pass a test tent for the swab.
“There is always a bit of fear involved. It (the virus, ed.) is spreading, you can see that. One or the other driver is already out. I hope I can get through here safely“, said the German road bike champion Nils Politt from the Bora-hansgrohe racing team and his team boss Ralph Denk added: “I tried to hide the topic. When the result comes, that’s all well and good.“
Jungels started with a low viral load – and drove to the day’s victory
Even before the start of the tour, some professionals had been taken out of the field, but Bob Jungels (Luxemburg/AG2R Citroen Team), stage winner on Sunday in Chatelwas allowed to start due to his low viral load.
The UCI had relaxed the corona rules accordingly shortly before the tour. Positive tests therefore do not necessarily lead to exclusion if the driver in question has no symptoms. A committee made up of a team doctor, a doctor from the world cycling association UCI and the Corona representative of the tour then decide whether the professional concerned can continue or not.
Jungels’ team-mate Geoffrey Bouchard (France) and Vegard Stake Laengen (Norway/UAE Team Emirates) from the team of Slovenian overall leader Tadej Pogacar gave up the race because of Corona.