Photo credit: Panoramic
Flanked by the leader’s pink jersey, Remco Evenepoel had to throw in the towel this Sunday evening at the Giro.
What a twist of fate on the Tour of Italy! While he had just regained control of the Giro this Sunday at the end of the second lap of this transalpine loop, with a lead of 45 and 47 seconds over his rivals Geraint Thomas and Primoz Roglic, Remco Evenepoel had to give up the race in the evening, on the eve of the first day of rest.
The reason for this incredible abandonment? A positive test for covid-19. The end of the ambitions of the Belgian runner from the Soudal Quick-Step formation who, ” heavy heart », had to come to terms with the inevitable. He who impressed his world here in Italy after nine stages, for his second participation in the Giro. In 2021, a bad fall had already forced him to bow out prematurely.
« I’m really sorry to leave the race. Following team protocol, I did a routine test which unfortunately came back positive.details the person concerned in a press release. This experience here has been really special and I was looking forward to racing for the next two weeks. I would like to thank the staff and the riders who have sacrificed so much to prepare for the Giro. I will encourage them for the next two weeks. »
