Tadej Pogacar is the biggest favourite for the upcoming
World Championships in Zurich and there are few riders who can realistically match him in the course that will feature 5000 meters of climbing.
Jhonatan Narváez was one of them, being one of the few riders who managed to directly beat the Slovenian this year, but he has tested positive for Covid-19.
"After undergoing all the necessary medical examinations, the cyclist has confirmed that he is not in optimal physical condition due to the after-effects of the covid-19," reads the press release from the Ecuadorian Cycling Federation explaining what happened. "He also has discomfort in his shoulder, a consequence of the fall in the first stages of the Vuelta a España. Consequently, the medical team has recommended a period of recovery to ensure a rapid improvement and avoid further complications".