Richard Plugge comments on Giro d'Italia Covid crisis: "You shouldn't want to ride a tough mountain stage with flu"

Covid-19 has been the main topic of the rest day as no less than 9 rider chose to DNS before stage 10 of Giro d'Italia. Most of them after returning positive Covid-19 test and showing symptoms of the illness. Among the affected was no less than the race leader Remco Evenepoel, experienced Rigoberto Urán and Domenico Pozzovivo.

Jumbo-Visma manager Richard Plugge thinks it's really important to remain very careful. "As a team, we have appealed to the Giro organization to keep the spectators as far away as possible from the riders," Plugge told NOS. “The great thing about cycling is that we can get very close to each other. But that is also a disadvantage when a highly contagious virus is circulating."

"For our team also applies: the health of the riders is paramount," 53-year-old Plugge continues. "You shouldn't want to ride a tough time trial or mountain stage with a flu and a mild fever. Cyclists have to deliver 100 percent every day. If they miss even one percent, it really won't work. In fact, if they are sick, they simply should not start."

"We have to stay on our guard," Plugge applauds UCI's decision to remove mandatory withdrawal after positive test. "I think it was logical that UCI moved away from the mandatory withdrawal of a rider who has tested positive for Covid. The health of the riders is top priority. Moreover, we always look at how someone feels. If someone feels very well, but the test is positive, we simply have to investigate further."

Jumbo-Visma had their share with Covid before the beginning of the race as it forced the team to replace three riders from their intended Giro d'Italia line-up. A little bit further down the road, back in 2020, whole Jumbo-Visma was forced to withdraw from Giro d'Italia after first week due to Covid.