Intermarché-Circus-Wanty reverses initial decision and pulls Sven Erik Bystrom out of Giro d'Italia due to Covid-19, Rein Taaramäe also heads home

Sven Erik Bystrom tested positive for Covid-19 on the first rest day of the Giro d'Italia but, according to the race's rules, was still allowed to continue. However the Norwegian has began to show symptoms overnight and the decision has now been reversed as he is pulled out of the race.

"As a reminder, Bystrøm received the green lights from the medical teams of the UCI & RCS to continue the race after testing positive for COVID, in absence of symptoms and in accordance to the UCI protocol," the team informed this morning. "However, Sven Erik Bystrøm started to develop symptoms on the night of Monday to Tuesday. As a precautionary measure and in order to preserve his health, he will return home to rest."

The team additionally loses Rein Taaramäe into the second week of the race, as the Estonian began experience stomach problems that force him to leave the race.