Fear of an unexpected guest: and Covid-19. The Tour de France will start this Saturday, June 29, from Florence in Italy. The virus could come and spoil the party. Rapid tests are likely to be used before each stage. At the highest level, The fear of the epidemic spreading within the peloton is feared.
Teams must adapt. Runners wear masks. The distance from the interlocutors is present. The hydroalcoholic gel is also included. The peloton has been affected in recent weeks.
Tadej Pogacar revealed that he contracted the virus several days ago. “It wasn’t too severe. Just a cold. I was forced to stop for a day completely. And when I was better, I started training outside again.“, confided the former winner of the Grande Boucle.
The teams are preparing
There is no longer a health protocol particular. The riders, in conjunction with the doctors, can continue or leave the event if they are too weak. The teams make arrangements internally. Riders and staff will be subject to antigen tests every three days.
David Gaudu missed the French Championships because of Covid-19. “I think other runners may have had Covid and we don’t know anything about it. I think we will have the answer fairly soon in the first few days.”explains the Frenchman, who expects to see surprises in the first two stages.
The consequences on the race can be real. Double winner Jonas Vingegaard lost his best lieutenant in the mountains, the American Sepp Kuss, who was too tired to take part in the race.
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