Giulio Ciccone's Giro d'Italia in doubt after testing positive for covid

One of Italy's biggest hopes for an overall win at the Giro d'Italia, Giulio Ciccone's quest for the Maglia Rosa is now in doubt after a positive covid test less than two weeks before the race begins.

“Giulio Ciccone’s participation at the Giro is now on standby, to be decided after evaluating his recovery and obtaining a negative Covid test. A final decision will be taken in the final days before the start of the race,” the 28-year-old's team Trek - Segafredo have announced in an official statement much to the disappointment of the Italian fans.

Ciccone himself took to Instagram to express his own disappointment at the news. “It’s a heavy news: positive for a third time," he captions a post to his official account. “I only have minor symptoms but it's a big blow to my morale. I can only accept it and see if I recover for the Giro.”

Having shown some good racing legs in recent months, Ciccone looked set to pose a genuine threat at the Giro d'Italia of at least being the highest Italian in the general classification. A three-time Giro stage winner, Ciccone has had top 10 finishes at La Fleche Wallone the Volta a Catalunya, Tirreno-Adriatico and the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana so far in 2023.