Simon Yates' positive test for COVID-19 comes as surprise to Mitchelton-Scott

Giro dItalia 2020 103th Edition 3rd stage Enna Etna 150km 05102020 Simon Yates GBR Mitchelton Scott Tony Gallopin FRA AG2R La Mondiale photo Luca BettiniBettiniPhoto2020
(Image credit: Bettini Photo)

The most sought-after figure in the mixed zone in Giovinazzo ahead of stage 8 of the Giro d’Italia was neither a rider nor a manager, but a doctor. Mitchelton-Scott confirmed on Saturday morning that Simon Yates had left the Giro after testing positive for COVID-19, and team doctor Matteo Beltemacchi visited the media area to outline the sequence of events on Friday evening that led to the Briton’s withdrawal.

After finishing safely in the main peloton at the end of stage 7 in Brindisi, Yates complained of a mild headache. A routine temperature check – one of three performed each day on the Giro – gave a reading of 37.4 degrees. As a precaution, Beltemacchi ordered a rapid test for COVID-19. When that returned a positive reading, Yates underwent a PCR test, which confirmed the initial diagnosis. His Giro was over.

Barry Ryan
Head of Features

Barry Ryan was Head of Features at Cyclingnews. He has covered professional cycling since 2010, reporting from the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and events from Argentina to Japan. His writing has appeared in The Independent, Procycling and Cycling Plus. He is the author of The Ascent: Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche and the Rise of Irish Cycling’s Golden Generation, published by Gill Books.