Eddie Dunbar is now up to 9th overall in Giro d'Italia, the first time he has been in the top 10 in a Grand Tour, but yesterday also brought some bad news as his key climbing domestique was forced out of the race.
Australian Callum Scotson has contracted Covid-19 and was one of nine riders who did not resume racing yesterday morning after Monday's rest day, many of them withdrawing after coming down with the virus. A further four riders abandoned yesterday's stage.
Dunbar's Jayco AlUla team was effectively split into two groups at the start of the Giro; one around the stage-hunting efforts of Michael Matthews and another to support the Irishman's general classification efforts. Scotson - along with Alessandro De Marchi and Italian national champion Filippo Zana - were assigned to Dunbar duties.
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The 26-year-old, who won gold at the 2016 Worlds and silver in the Olympics that year in the team pursuit, had ridden out of his socks on the Giro, with Dunbar often seen in his wheel being paced and kept out of danger.
On stage 7 to Gran Sasso, Scotson rode on the front of the remains of the peloton, with Dunbar second wheel as the Irishman prepared to launch a sprint at the top of the climb. Scotson's departure from the race, which was confirmed yesterday morning before the start of stage 10, is a blow to Dunbar, though he has look strong so far and is in 9th after two flat TTs that were never going to suit him.
Team Jayco AlUla confirmed Scotson's departure, saying he had "unfortunately... tested positive for Covid-19 with mild symptoms" meaning he would not start the stage. The Australian posted a brief message on social media, saying "it’s a shame to leave the Giro d'Italia" due to Covid-19, adding he had "enjoyed the race while it lasted" while also "sending good luck to my team".
