The fear is spreading: Corona returns to the tour with a vengeance
Tadej Pogacar caught Covid-19 during preparation, Jonas Vingegaard to race without his key helper. Corona is back as a topic before the Tour de France. Many teams have already pulled out dusty Corona protocols from the attic.
Just before the start of the Tour de France, Corona anxiety resurfaces. Superstar Tadej Pogacar caught Covid-19 during preparation, although the course was reportedly mild. For many teams, this was a warning sign to dig out long-forgotten Corona protocols. Belgian Time Trial World Champion Remco Evenepoel, one of the favorites before the Tour de France, which begins in Florence on Saturday, presented himself with a red mask. And in Jonas Vingegaard's team, Jumbo-Visma, masks, PCR tests, and hand sanitization are part of the standard program.
"I don't want to scare people that I'm sick. I'm feeling good, but I'm cautious," said young star Evenepoel and added: "We're dealing with a lot of people here. I don't want the Tour to end like the Giro last year." Evenepoel was the carrier of the Pink Jersey at the first rest day in 2021 due to an infection. This should not happen again.
Vingegaard loses valuable helper
In Vingegaard's team Visma-Lease, Covid-19 caused a prominent withdrawal even before the race. Vuelta champion Sepp Kuss, who was supposed to be Vingegaard's key helper for the Danish winner of 2022 and 2023, was heavily affected. "Sepp is very valuable. We miss him a lot. Not just me, but the whole team," said Vingegaard.
Pogacar, on the other hand, came out of it more favorably, as he reassured: "I have recovered well. Covid is not as serious as it used to be. I had the virus already. The body gets used to it. It wasn't that bad and went away quickly." He took only one day off, then got back on the bike a little.
No Corona measures planned for the Tour
Even at the German Red Bull team, they are being cautious. Strict hygiene and precautionary measures are in place. In case of infections, things will be ramped up, as a spokesperson confirmed in response to a dpa inquiry. "The risk is always there. We're trying to be careful. Sometimes you need luck," said team captain Primoz Roglic and added with a look at the crowded room at the press conference: "I assume everyone has a negative test result."
However, at the Tour, all Corona measures have been lifted long ago. In certain areas, mask requirements were still in place during the Giro due to the many dropouts caused by Covid. Journalists had to wear masks whenever they came into contact with a rider, as well as other team members and riders themselves were required to wear masks in the so-called Paddock - the bus parking area at the start and finish - but these times seem to be over...
Despite the resurgence of Corona anxiety before the Tour de France, there won't be any Corona measures planned for the race itself. In Vingegaard's team, Jumbo-Visma, Covid-19 caused a significant loss, as Sepp Kuss, who was supposed to be Vingegaard's key helper, had to withdraw heavily affected.
