Gazprom-Rusvelo and Human Powered Health abandon Vuelta a Andalucia with Covid outbreaks

After several riders had missed the start of the Vuelta a Andalucia, two teams who had started the race off with a reduced lineup now abandon as more cases appears within their structures. Both Gazprom-Rusvelo and Human Powered Health did not start today's stage three, which sees the peloton go through it's easiest day of the race.

At least nine riders were given numbers for the Spanish race but did not take to the start in the opening day, with both these teams involved. The likes of Dylan Teuns, Jakob Fuglsang and Vincenzo Nibali were also set to be in southern Spain this week but couldn't because of recent infections and consequent mandatory isolation. The Russian team announced "Unfortunately, we need to withdraw from Vuelta a Andalucia due to the positive covid tests of some of the team members." It is not clear whether they are riders or staff members, the same can be said regarding the American team.

This is but only another outbreak going on in the peloton, of which there have been and are many. Nearby, recently in the Vuelta a Comunitat Valenciana, Jumbo-Visma, Team BikeExchange - Jayco and Team DSM all collectively abandoned the race due to outbreaks, and although Movistar Team didn't, their lineup was isolated the week after the race, not allowing for example Alejandro Valverde to resume his season.