After a PCR test, specific to SARS-Cov-2, revealed two non-negative cases, Team Lotto Soudal decided to send home two staff people, as well as their roommates. Safety remains priority number one.
Despite all efforts made by all staff and riders in the weeks prior to the Tour de France, two tests did not give the desired negative result. A first test, six days prior to the race, was negative for all riders and staff people. The second test, performed on Wednesday 26 July, gave one positive and one suspicious result. For this reason, in order to protect the health of the team and the race, these two staff people will not be allowed to continue. As a safety measure, and to respect the Covid-19 Measures Tour de France Protocol, their risk contacts will leave the race as well.
After months of intensive training, Lotto Soudal is still very motivated to perform well in this Tour de France. The team hopes the two involved people recover well and that this Tour de France can go till Paris with healthy people.
The team will not further comment.
