'Doomsday scenario' - Everything being done to stop Remco Evenepoel catching Covid, says Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl

A positive Covid-19 test for La Vuelta leader Remco Evenepoel is the ‘doomsday scenario’ for Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl, team manager Patrick Lefevere said after an outbreak of the virus among riders. The number of riders who have been infected rose to 24 on Friday when Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) tested positive, although he was allowed to continue competing due to a low viral load. Ad Evenepoel has dominated the final Grand Tour of the season and held a 2:41 lead over Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) going into Stage 14.

Vuelta a EspañaDid Roglic miss a chance to gain time on Evenepoel?A DAY AGO “We are not going to be evasive: a positive test from Remco is now the big doomsday scenario,” Lefevere told Nieuwsblad. “We’re doing everything we can to prevent that. After Pieter Serry's positive test, roommate Remi Cavagna ate alone for four days in a row.

Since then, all the riders are sleeping separately.” La Vuelta organisers have come in for criticism for their handling of Covid-19 cases at this year’s race. Opinion: The five riders with a point to prove this weekend in La Vuelta ‘No consistency’ – Lloyd and Blythe on ‘frustrating’ coronavirus rules after Ayuso saga La Vuelta Stage 13 highlights: Pedersen brings wait for stage win to an end in style Cofidis’ Jose Herrada Lopez, who was forced to abandon La Vuelta due to a positive coronavirus test earlier this week, called the situation a “circus”. Lefevere suggested that the decision to include journeys that involve plane travel have resulted in the virus spreading more easily.