The Belgian had recovered the ‘pink jersey’ in the time trial this Sunday
MADRID, 15 May. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) ended his participation in the Giro d’Italia this Sunday after testing positive for coronavirus in a test by his team.
“With all my regret I have to announce that I am withdrawing from the Giro d’Italia due to coronavirus, after a routine test in which unfortunately I have tested positive,” announced the rider himself, a few hours after being the winner of the ninth stage. .
Evenepoel won this Sunday in the 35-kilometre time trial on the flat between 35 Savignano sul Rubicone and Cesena, to take the overall lead. However, the young Belgian and his team announced their withdrawal after a great first week.
“My experience here has been really special and I was really looking forward to racing in the next two weeks. I can’t thank the staff and riders enough who sacrificed so much in preparation for the Giro. I’ll be rooting for them for the next two weeks.” added the world champion.
Evenepoel had complied with his favoritism and wore pink for the fourth day, although without the superiority he showed in the first day’s time trial. The Soudal Quick-Step runner was first this Sunday but had the British INEOS Grenadiers Geraint Thomas and Tao Geoghegan Hart to one and two seconds.
In the general, the Belgian had placed first with 45 seconds over Thomas, who becomes the new leader. Meanwhile, the Slovenian Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) is now second, just two seconds behind the Briton and Geoghegan Hart, third, five seconds behind. This Monday is a rest day in a Giro that lost one of its attractions.