A few days before the big start of the Tour de France 2023, the UCI recalled the contours of the Covid protocol on the Grande Boucle.
Despite the end of the pandemic announced by the WHO a few months ago, there are still a few cases of Covid in the world and in France. In the sports world, the fear of contamination is always present, especially in cycling after the abandonment of the world champion Remco Evenepoel on the Giro in May, then leader of the race. Among the measures mentioned, limited access and the wearing of a mandatory mask in certain areas for runners, staff and supporters, but also compliance with basic rules such as maintaining sufficient physical distance, frequently disinfecting hands, etc. Unfortunately for fans, riders and team staff will be prohibited from signing autographs and eating outside of their hotels.
Compulsory abandonment in the event of a positive test?
The answer is no. “In the event of the occurrence within a team of a case of Covid-19 confirmed by an antigen test or by a PCR test (whether it is a rider or a staff member) , the decision to isolate and withdraw the rider from the race will be taken collectively by the doctor of the team concerned, the Covid-19 coordinator of the event and the UCI Medical Director, on the basis of the clinical elements available and the results of the Covid test”, indicates the UCI in its press release published on Wednesday June 28.