Riders question COVID-19 testing protocol at Vuelta a España

COLLU FANCUAYA SPAIN AUGUST 27 Jos Herrada Lopez of Spain and Team Cofidis during the 77th Tour of Spain 2022 Stage 8 a 1534km stage from Pola de Laviana to Collu Fancuaya 1084m LaVuelta22 WorldTour on August 27 2022 in Collu Fancuaya Spain Photo by Tim de WaeleGetty Images
José Herrada (Cofidis) had to leave the race ahead of stage 10 after testing positive for COVID-19 (Image credit: Tim de WaeleGetty Images)

Several riders who have been forced to leave the Vuelta a España following positive COVID-19 tests at the race have questioned the testing protocol employed at the race.

Friday morning brought the news that Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) would continue in the race despite testing positive after analysis of his PCR test showed his viral load – and contagiousness – was low enough for him to race on.

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Senior news writer

Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor and later being hired full-time. Prior to joining the team, they had written for numerous major publications in the cycling world, including CyclingWeekly, Rouleur, and CyclingTips.

 

Dani has reported from the world's top races, including the Tour de France and the spring Classics, and has interviewed many of the sport's biggest stars, including Wout van Aert, Remco Evenepoel, Demi Vollering, and Anna van der Breggen.

 

As well as original reporting, news and feature writing, and production work, Dani also oversees The Leadout newsletter and How to Watch guides throughout the season. Their favourite races are Strade Bianche and the Volta a Portugal.