Tour de France leader Tadej Pogačar has been dealt blow on the race with news that one of his key domestiques for the mountains, George Bennett, has contracted Covid-19 and is now out of the race.
As well as Bennett being forced out of the race before today’s stage, Rafal Majka has also tested positive for the virus, though his viral load is low enough to allow him remain in the event.
Both positive tests were confirmed today before the start of stage 10 in Morzine and came after Vegard Stake Laengen was forced out of the race before Saturday’s stage.
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It means the race leader is now down two team mates, with a third continuing with the virus and Marc Hirschi also struggling on this year’s race so far.
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Dr Adrian Rotunno, UAE Team Emirates medical director, said: "On Monday night George displayed some symptoms and per our protocol he was tested for Covid-19 and returned a positive result. Therefore, he will not start today.
"As per our internal protocols Rafal Majka was tested for Covid-19 and returned a positive result this morning. He is asymptomatic and analysing his PCR found he had a very low risk of infectivity, similar to the case of Bob Jungels earlier in the race.
“As per protocol we reported it to the UCI medical team this morning, who granted Rafal permission to take the start just prior to race departure. We are aware Rafal's clinical picture may change and we are closely monitoring his situation."
