The organisers of the UAE Tour have announced the cancellation of the final two stages of the race after two staff on an Italian team had tested positive for coronavirus.
The decision means that Adam Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) takes the overall win, as he had finished the fifth stage in the race lead and was 1’01” ahead of Tadej Pogačar (UAE-Team Emirates) with Alexey Lutsenko (Astana Pro Team) in third. The remaining two stages were flat stages with sprinters missing out on the opportunity for stage wins.
All riders and others working on the race are now confined to their hotels as tests take place on individuals for the virus. Results from the tests are expected on Friday or Saturday.
The statement from the organisers is as follows:
The Higher Organising Committee has cancelled the remaining stages of the 2020 UAE Tour after two Italian staff members of one of the teams participating in the UAE Tour had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19.
“The decision has been taken to ensure protection of all the Race’s participants,” said the Higher Organising Committee, adding that “safety comes at the top of all priorities.”
In the meantime, the Ministry of Health and Prevention said that all the Race’s participants, administrative staff and organisers will be examined through the continuous periodic screening being conducted, and all needed procedures, including quarantine measures, will be taken to ensure viral suppression and curb the spread of its outbreak in coordination with all health and other authorities concerned in the country.
The ministry added that all the necessary precautions to ensure highly efficient preventive measures are being taken, including check-ups and observation of people in contact with patients, to guarantee the protection of the society and its safety and preserve public trust.
