Remco Evenepoel asks organizers to control crowd following rise in Covid-19 cases - "I hope the organization can bring a bit more safety into the finish"

In response to the rapid rise of Covid-19 cases among riders, Remco Evenepoel has requested that spectator numbers be reduced and strict guidelines be implemented.

"We already knew there were cases, but it's quite surprising because they already put in a strong performance yesterday in the time trial," Evenepoel said. Both Simon Yates and Pavel Sivakov tested positive this morning, which was a surprise since there was no symptom, and they even finished in the top 10. "I'm even more surprised that they got sick overnight,” said Evenepoel.

He continues, "It's super-unfortunate for Simon and Pavel because they worked really hard to be in this Vuelta. I hope these cases will be the last, but I'm afraid they won't be."

In his view, there were not enough strict guidelines in place to control large crowds, "I have to say that yesterday at the finish there were so many people it was actually quite dangerous. I hope the organization can bring a bit more safety into the finish because yesterday was quite like a nightmare," said Evenepoel.

Evenepoel’s teammate Pieter Serry and sports director Klaas Lodewyck also tested positive in the first week of the tour. He fears unless something is done to prevent this, the peloton could be left with just a handful of riders. " I think we might have to make a statement and try to keep the race as safe as possible," concluded Evenepoel.