Juan Ayuso tests positive for Covid-19 but remains in Vuelta a Espana peloton

Covid-19 has struck over two dozen riders at this year's Vuelta a Espana already, but as was the case at the Tour de France, UAE Team Emirates are keeping one of their riders in the race despite a positive test result: Juan Ayuso has Covid.

The team has shared the news this morning before the start of stage 13. But they revealed the Spaniard would remain in the race. Adriano Rotturno, team doctor, has said: "As per our internal protocols Juan Ayuso was tested for Covid-19 and returned a positive result this morning. He is asymptomatic and analysing his PCR found he had a very low risk of infectivity, similar to cases such as we saw at this years Tour de France [with Rafal Majka]".

Rotturno refers to the decision from the team and the race to keep Rafal Majka despite his infection, unlike all other riders who tested positive. UAE are now in the same situation, but with Ayuso who currently sits in fifth place in the overall classification.

"We have made the decision in consultation with medical representatives from the race organisation and the UCI. We are aware of Juan's clinical picture and are closely monitoring his situation," the team concluded. With the likes of Simon Yates and Pavel Sivakov having abandoned the race in the second week, the GC contenders remain in high threats of abandoning the race.