Covid-19 is not a problem of the same magnitude in the peloton as it was two or three years ago, but it continues to claim casualties. Michael Matthews will miss out on Milano-Sanremo as he has reported an infection this week.
Matthews, who won the points classification at the Tour Down Under earlier this year, was showing good form at the start of Paris-Nice as he shown explosivity hunting points for the points classification. However, he abandoned the race on stage 7, as the race headed towards the mountains and he's looking to prepare the classics season.
Milano-Sanremo was to be his first main goal, but it wasn't to be. Michael Matthews has unfortunately tested positive for COVID with light symptoms. Matthews will therefore not be on the start line for this weekend’s Milano-Sanremo," an announcement from the team said.
"It is a huge disappointment as a season goal & a much loved race, but health is the priority," Jayco AlUla concluded. Matthews was one of the big favourites for the race, one where he has finished on the Top10 on five occasions. Last year as Matej Mohoric soared to victory on the Via Roma, Matthews sprinted to fourth place on the road.
🚳 UPDATE: @blingmatthews has unfortunately tested positive for COVID with light symptoms. Matthews will therefore not be on the start line for this weekend’s #MilanoSanremo. It is a huge disappointment as a season goal & a much loved race, but health is the priority.
