Simon Yates has left the Vuelta a Espana after testing positive for Covid.
The British rider and BikeExchange-Jayco leader was fifth in the standings and poised to challenge for the podium.
It is the second time Yates, the 2018 Vuelta a Espana champion, has experienced a Grand Tour departure due to Covid after exiting the 2020 Giro d’Italia for the same reason.
The 30-year-old experienced mild symptoms overnight and subsequently returned a positive test this morning, ending his hopes of success in this year’s race.
The withdrawal is also a blow to his Australian team’s hopes of securing UCI ranking points to stave off relegation from the World Tour.
Despite being the first overall contender to succumb to the virus, Yates is the 16th rider to test positive in this year’s race.
BikeExchange-Jayco confirmed further testing will be taken to ensure the safety of its other riders and staff members.
“During the night our rider Simon Yates had some Covid-19 symptoms with a light fever and body aches. We carried out a Covid-19 test this morning and unfortunately, he has returned a positive test result, and will therefore not be taking to the start line of today’s 11th stage, with rider health and wellbeing our priority,” team doctor Dani Castillo said.
