OFFICIAL: Remco Evenepoel abandons Giro d'Italia with Covid-19

Remco Evenepoel abandons the Giro d'Italia after testing positive for Covid 19. The Belgian had won Sunday's time trial and had regained the maglia rosa. He himself has announced that he must abandon the race after testing positive.

The news this evening has come as a major shock and the most impactful the race could see. After today's individual time-trial Evenepoel had taken his second stage win and jumped into the race lead. This infection comes at an awful time for the World Champion, who has spent the first half of his season preparing the Corsa Rosa.

"It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that I will be leaving the Giro d'Italia due to Covid-19 after taking a routine test, which unfortunately was positive," Evenepoel said in a statement. "My experience here has been really special and I was looking forward to competing over the next two weeks. I can't thank enough the staff and the riders who sacrificed so much in preparation for the Giro."

The revelation surely came as a shock and a huge disappointment for the Belgian, who nevertheless has come off with a positive message. "Still very proud to leave the race with 2 stage wins and 4 pink jerseys," he concludes.