Covid at INEOS Grenadiers - Carlos Rodríguez loses key domestique at Vuelta a Espana

This Vuelta a España is being an absolute obstacle course for the peloton. If only the extreme amount of climbing (most of it is yet to come) wasn't enough of a challenge, the riders have been facing extreme heat and now also rising Covid-19 cases. INEOS Grenadiers will start the second week without Laurens de Plus, a key support rider for Carlos Rodríguez.

The British team confirmed it this morning in a message shared on social media: "Laurens De Plus won’t start stage 10 of La Vuelta. Laurens reported feeling unwell this morning and he’s subsequently tested positive for a Covid 19 infection. Wishing you a speedy recovery Laurens".

This truly is a cause for concern for both the team and the peloton. In the Vuelta peloton, recently victory contender João Almeida tested positive and subsequently had to abandon the race. Over the rest day, Astana Qazaqstan Team climber Harold Martín Lopez suffered the same faith. Now De Plus, who had already suffered injuries in a crash over the opening week, was forced to abandon due to a positive test. The Belgian had finished the Criterium du Dauphiné in fifth place and was 15th at the Tour de France despite supporting Carlos Rodríguez who is also contesting GC at the Vuelta.

The British team are having a tough time with other crashes affecting the team. Joshua Tarling has also already abandoned the race after two falls in the opening week, whilst Thymen Arensman has been rather ineffective as he struggles with the brutal conditions on the road faced in the first week.

De Plus will not be the only rider not taking to the start after an announcement this morning. Intermarché - Wanty's Kobe Goossens continues his run of bad luck this season and will not take to the start in Ponteareas due to injuries suffered in crashes during the first week.