Simon Yates withdraws from La Vuelta a Espana after positive Covid 19 test

Simon Yates has withdrawn from La Vuelta a Espana after testing positive for Covid-19.

British cyclist Yates’ Team BikeExchange-Jayco said that he suffered mild symptoms overnight and returned a positive test on Wednesday morning.

“In accordance with strict team policy, Yates will not continue in La Vuelta,” his team said, ahead of stage 11.

Yates, who won the race in 2018, held fifth position overall after moving up a place following Tuesday’s individual time trial stage from Elche to Alicante.

It is another setback for the 30-year-old, who was forced out of the Giro d’Italia in May by a knee injury.

Five riders, meanwhile, withdrew from La Vuelta on Tuesday because of Covid, including Yates’ fellow Briton Ethan Hayter.

Published: 31/08/2022 by Radio NewsHub