‘Public health first’ as UAE Tour called off
Yates of MitcheltonScott wins title of curtailed tour
There was an air of calm around the cyclists and organisers of the UAE Tour after the regrettable but necessary decision to cancel the remaining stages of the competition due to growing fears over the coronavirus outbreak.
Abu Dhabi Sports Council announced late on Thursday night that the remaining rounds of the 2020 UAE Tour were called off after two participants from the Italian team tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
The council said two from the participating Italian team have been confirmed as having the Covid-19. All riders, team members, media and Tour officials who have been in contact with the riders have been tested. “The decision has been taken to ensure protection of all the race’s participants,” said ADSC, adding that “safety comes at the top of all priorities.”
Top cyclists Chris Froome — a four-time Tour de France winner — and Mark Cavendish — one of the sport’s greatest sprinters — were among those tested as all riders and staff were confined to their rooms at the hotel in Yas Island.
There are concerns that the outbreak could cause cancellations at future events, with the Tour de France and UCI world track championships in Berlin beginning soon.
Froome was particularly frustrated as he was using the UAE Tour as a comeback event as he bids to get up to full fitness ahead of the Tour de France. But he urged caution and insisted it was in the interests of all to halt the race.
“It’s a shame that the UAETour has been cancelled but public health must come first,” the Team Ineos rider tweeted on Thursday night. “We are all awaiting testing and will remain at the hotel until further notice. I hope those affected make a speedy recovery and there aren’t any further cases #coronavirus.”
Adam Yates riding for Mitchelton-Scott was in the leader’s red jersey following Thursday’s stage five to Jebel Hafeet and will be awarded the title.