Alpecin-Fenix will not start stage 2 of the UAE Tour after a staff member tested positive for coronavirus. Mathieu van der Poel, who won the first stage of the tour, would have worn the leader’s jersey into the stage 2 time trial.
Testing was conducted on the evening of the first stage. The UAE Tour released a statement saying that the member of staff who tested positive was immediately isolated, as were those who came into close contact with them.
🇦🇪 #UAETour
— Alpecin-Fenix Cycling Team (@AlpecinFenix) February 22, 2021
We can confirm that we have withdrawn from the race.
More information will be given soon. The wellbeing of everyone involved is our main concern.
David Dekker (Team Jumbo-Visma), who placed second on the opening stage, will start stage 2 as the leader in the general classification.
This story is ongoing.
