Egan Bernal denies he has been infected with Covid-19: "I didn't know it was out there, but it's false"

It has been reported by Marca that Egan Bernal had tested positive for Covid-19. The report was relatively credible taking into consideration INEOS Grenadiers actively has infected people still within the team bubble and the Colombian lost over 40 minutes in the queen stage on Sunday; but he has now confirmed this is not true.

Asked by Cyclingnews at the start of stage 16, Bernal was surprised with the topic that has risen through in the past few days: "I've just heard the news myself. I didn't know it was out there, but it's false. It's true that I've had the flu twice during this Tour, but I've done tests and I'm not positive for COVID-19".

Geraint Thomas has and he continues in the race, mostly rolling around the back of the peloton. Bernal has over stage 16 been in the same scenario, and Tom Pidcock had in the past week also abandoned the race after showing symptoms of the illness. But it is not certain what the plan is with Thomas for example, taking into consideration that the team or Carlos Rodríguez will not want him riding in front of them, essentially taking him out of the team's block and plans.

As for Bernal, since he has twice tested negative for Covid, he may still be part of the team's plans for the final days in the mountains, however only if he finds better legs than those of the weekend. "I'm feeling better today, and I want to enjoy the Tour in this final week. In this moment, I'm taking it a day at a time, starting with a good mentality and focusing on the race, otherwise it's difficult. This is the Tour de France, the most important race in the world and we have to stay focused." Stage 17 into Super-Devoluy could even be an opportunity for the team to win a stage, as most predict a breakaway to succeed.