Reports from teams and journalists on the ground at the UAE Tour suggest that the race has been cancelled with two stages to go as officials commence screening riders, race staff and media to test for Coronavirus.
Last week there was a suggestion that some bike races in Italy may need to be cancelled to negate concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) but, at this point in time, it hasn’t come to that.
But cycling has been impacted by the virus and, early Friday morning (Australian time), reports are emerging that riders, staff and media at the race hotel of the UAE Tour are being tested for possible infection.
It has been suggested that the winner of stage four, Adam Yates of Mitchelton-Scott, will be declared the winner of an event which was meant to be seven stages but is said to have concluded after stage five overnight.
In contrast to some cycling events, the crowds at the UAE Tour haven’t been significant and the WHO is reporting that there have only been 19 cases of COVID-19 in the UAE but officials are responding with extreme caution, preferring cancellation than the risk of the virus spreading.
It’s a shame that the #UAETour has been cancelled but public health must come first. We are all awaiting testing and will remain at the hotel until further notice. I hope those affected make a speedy recovery and there aren’t any further cases #coronavirus
— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) February 27, 2020
It is reported that @uae_tour is cancelled due to the situation with #coronavirus However, we are waiting for the official communication from the organization of the race. #UAETour
— Astana Pro Team (@AstanaTeam) February 27, 2020
Well we were all worried about 160k of crosswinds tomorrow but it looks like #Coronavirus blew stronger than the wind ? #UAETour
— Larry Warbasse (@larrywarbasse) February 27, 2020
Nothing from the organisers yet, however journalists present on-site & teams such as @JumboVismaRoad report that the #UAETour has been cancelled following a visit to the teams’ hotel in Abu Dhabi by health inspectors testing for Coronavirus. https://t.co/4TaxPdv0ox
— Rob Hatch (@robhatchtv) February 27, 2020
#UAETour The final two days of racing is cancelled due to concerns around Coronavirus.
Riders and staff remain in the hotel and will be tested shortly, with their health taking priority.
We hope anyone affected makes a fast recovery.
— Mitchelton-SCOTT (@MitcheltonSCOTT) February 27, 2020
