Jumbo Visma has become the second team to withdraw from the Giro d'Italia today after eight Covid-19 positive cases emerged during testing around the rest day.
Earlier the Dutch WorldTour team had confirmed its rider Steven Kruijswijk had tested positive for Covid-19 and was out of the race.
He was one of eight people - two riders and six staff members - to return a positive test result for Covid-19 after more than 500 tests were carried out within the race bubble over the past 48 hours.
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However, despite only having one confirmed case in its ranks, and despite being eligible to continue in the race, Jumbo Visma has decided to withdraw in order to protect the health and well being of its riders and staff.
Earlier today Mitchelton-Scott left the race after four of its staff were among the eight positive cases within the race bubble, meaning two WorldTour teams have left the race today.
It is a huge blow for the Giro and any further positive cases, or riders falling ill on the race, could mean the event will be cut short.
The cases that have come to light so far, and the withdrawal of two teams, will also increase nervousness around other races in the weeks ahead, including La Vuelta.
While racing resumed two months ago, the pandemic has worsened in many parts of the world since then, including Continental Europe.
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