COVID strikes team of defending Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar
Matteo Trentin returned a COVID-19 diagnosis Wednesday and Marc Hirschi will replace him.
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COPENHAGEN (VN) — Tadej Pogačar is losing a key helper on the flats at the Tour de France after Italian rider Matteo Trentin returned a COVID-19 diagnosis Wednesday.
Trentin, who was expected to provide Pogačar with support in the stage 5 run across the cobbles, is out of the race.
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Marc Hirschi will replace him.
“Unfortunately Matteo Trentin tested positive for Covid-19 and won’t start this year’s Tour de France,” a press note read. “Though disappointed he feels well and is not displaying any symptoms at this point. Marc Hirschi will step-up to take his place in the team.”
COVID-19 continues to impact the Tour peloton just days ahead of Friday’s start.
Tim Declerq (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) was also removed from the Tour lineup, and the lead sport director at Jumbo-Visma is also sidelined with a coronavirus diagnosis.
