Daryl Impey out of Tour de France as Guy Niv steps in for Israel - Premier Tech

Daryl Impey was set for his ninth Tour de France however a last-minute positive test for Covid-19 has taken another Israel - Premier Tech rider out. He will be replaced with Guy Niv.

Omer Goldstein was deemed a close contact yesterday and was removed from Israel's lineup for the Tour, having been replaced with Guillaume Boivin. Impey had also been said to be a high-risk contact, and a positive Covid-19 test this morning confirmed the South African will be out of the race. Guy Niv, the second substitute rider, will be filling in the spot.

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Impey had just recently taken a win at the Tour de Suisse which saw him back into strong form just at the right time before the race. With stage wins being a priority, he would be an important piece for the team's breakaway strategy, alongside the likes of Simon Clarke and Michael Woods.

Niv, who will be racing the Tour for the second time, has said: "I'm super excited to get the chance to start my second Tour de France, although I really feel sad for my teammates who were forced to miss it. However, my shape is good and I’m full of confidence that I will have a successful Tour and help the team".