Effects of coronavirus on professional races

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Edit: the first results of the counter analysis for those teams came in last night by the way, and they were all negative. Not all tests are completed yet though, and personally I think it's fairly obvious (and correct) that they stay quarantined until then

there are some more information about it on Stefano Rizzato's Twitter. Apparently a team refused to leave the hotel when they were supposed to be taken to hospital for additional tests, which caused some further delays

 

[Berflamand]

I'm reading reports that the three teams still in quarantine are Gazprom, Cofidis and Groupama-FDJ.

Does that mean the UAE Team was already cleared en their riders already left or am I missing something here?

 

[RedheadDane]

UAE are staying voluntarily.

 

[Mayomaniac]

UAE are staying voluntarily.

They pretty much have to if their boss/sponsor is calling the shots.
Looks like the authorities are trying really hard to find something so that they won't lose their face.

 

[Naico]

They pretty much have to if their boss/sponsor is calling the shots.
Looks like the authorities are trying really hard to find something so that they won't lose their face.

This. It’s getting more and more clear that there haven’t been any positive cases, including the 2 initial cases reported. A few riders are even saying they’ve been informed as such (already days ago). The UAE team staying is clearly a sign of support towards the local authorities. It’s really vague now, no communication, nothing. They’re trying to avoid the unavoidable. It’s all very intriguing actually..They’re double, triple testing riders..holding journalists hostage until today..The UAE team staying unnecessarily. Why aren’t the local authorities, the UCI and RCS communicating anymore? What’s next? Will they “sacrifice“ a UAE team person to save face ?

 

[yaco]

It's impossible to block spectators along a road for a race that covers 150/200 kms, for example Paris-Nice is allowed only because there aren't cases in the area and they think there won't be more than 3000 with the limit set at the moment as 5000.

Spectators can be limited on routes - Note i used the word limited.

 

[Jagartrott]

Two Russians, two Italians, a German and a Colombian in the UAE Tour are reported to have tested positive for covid-19.

 

[SafeBet]

Not looking good

https://twitter.com/x/status/1234925523924635649

View: https://twitter.com/laflammerouge16/status/1234925523924635649?s=19

 

[LaFlorecita]

Sounds like that is more of a regulation for indoor sporting events? Cycling is an outdoor sport, people could keep their distance.

 

[Sciatic]

Two Russians, two Italians, a German and a Colombian in the UAE Tour are reported to have tested positive for covid-19.

Of the four teams that remained in quarantine there, the only Colombian rider on their race rosters was Gaviria. But it's possible that the COVID-19 positive Colombian was not a rider, but other team member. I also didn't see a German listed on any of those 4 teams race rosters.

 

[Pricey_sky]

Two Russians, two Italians, a German and a Colombian in the UAE Tour are reported to have tested positive for covid-19.

In hindsight, it looks like a very wise decision to have cancelled the last 2 stages. Another couple of days with riders, staff, journalists all mixing could have been much more serious.

 

[Red Rick]

Sounds like that is more of a regulation for indoor sporting events? Cycling is an outdoor sport, people could keep their distance.

Cycling fans? Keeping distance?

Not bloody likely

 

[SafeBet]

Really hard to enforce such measures at the start and finish locations.
Impossible on the route.

 

[Red Rick]

Really hard to enforce such measures at the start and finish locations.
Impossible on the route.

May I suggest one Gianni Moscon to enforce that rule?

 

[tobydawq]

Really hard to enforce such measures at the start and finish locations.
Impossible on the route.

Yeah, but they could say to people not to show up. Just as they could say to people not to congregate in general.

I would imagine a lot of people being afraid to stick their heads out their windows.

 

[Pricey_sky]

Yeah, but they could say to people not to show up. Just as they could say to people not to congregate in general.

I would imagine a lot of people being afraid to stick their heads out their windows.

But there are also those that will turn up, just like there are probably people around now who will rarely use simple measures like regularly washing hands each day.

 

[tobydawq]

Don't tell me that a spectator can transmit the virus to a passing rider...

Unless he happens to sneeze him in the face or something like that.

 

[Pricey_sky]

Don't tell me that a spectator can transmit the virus to a passing rider...

Unless he happens to sneeze him in the face or something like that.

Of course they can. It’s unlikely, but it can happen and it’s getting slightly more likely the more the virus spreads.

Not just airborne from sneezing, but the virus can survive on many surfaces for hours.

 

[Naico]

Of the four teams that remained in quarantine there, the only Colombian rider on their race rosters was Gaviria. But it's possible that the COVID-19 positive Colombian was not a rider, but other team member. I also didn't see a German listed on any of those 4 teams race rosters.

I could be wrong but after checking the 4 teams’ websites, Gaviria is the only Colombian, riders, staff, management included.

 

[Rollthedice]

Don't tell me that a spectator can transmit the virus to a passing rider...

Unless he happens to sneeze him in the face or something like that.

It's a national and international emergency, the Italian government is doing whatever they think is necessary to contain the spreading of the virus so it's not about Giuseppe or Gianni sneezing on Van der Poel.

 

[Pricey_sky]

It's a national and international emergency, the Italian government is doing whatever they think is necessary to contain the spreading of the virus so it's not about Giuseppe or Gianni sneezing on Van der Poel.

And that’s the bigger picture, it would only take 1 person in a large crowd to be infected and the risk of hundreds catching the virus is huge.

 

[BlueRoads]

I see the good will to stop this virus. But I honestly don't see how it can be contained like this. I mean, there have been many confirmed cases here in Germany and nonetheless in the past week I have sat in trains full of passengers, have been close to strangers whose personal hygiene measures I don't know... I had to. I don't think that will change. It sure is a good thing to take certain precautions - for instance cancelling the book fair in Leipzig, though that is closer linked to my livelihood than a bike race - I can understand that. But a bike race? Where crowds can be limited at the start and the finish, told not to come... of course there will be people, hardcore fans who don't care - but is their getting together in fresh air in Italy (like, Siena) really more dangerous than trains, buses in Germany? Something just doesn't add up there. I mean, I'm trying to be sympathetic to the measures taken, but they seem kind of... almost random to me. And that makes me suspect it's mostly to show some "strength" and to avoid being held responsible, though I'm trying to suppress that view.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

From what i'm reading, that tweet is not correct. At the moment it is only a proposal.

It's a national and international emergency, the Italian government is doing whatever they think is necessary to contain the spreading of the virus so it's not about Giuseppe or Gianni sneezing on Van der Poel.

It might be the only way to stop him!

 

[del1962]

It’s not just about people gathering it’s also about use of resources so the more stretched northern Italy’s services are stretched they are not going to use them on a bike race

 

[Velolover2]

Don't tell me that a spectator can transmit the virus to a passing rider...

Unless he happens to sneeze him in the face or something like that.

The problem is probably the danger of infection among the audience. Especially in the start and finish areas. Not the transfer from spectator to cyclist.