With the Tour de France close to starting, several riders see their participation in the race end before it even started. Today two more casualties rose, as Samuele Battistella and Omer Goldstein were pulled out.
Goldstein not directly because of an infection, but due to his situation as a close contact. Israel - Premier Tech's Daryl Impey was also deemed, and is still in doubt for the race. Canadian Guillaume Boivin will be taking the place of Goldstein, a valuable addition to the flat stages and also a contender in the breakaways of some rolling days.
As for Battistella he came down with Covid-19, and will be forced to miss the race. Astana Qazaqstan Team miss another important card in their battle for a stage win, and the Italian has been replaced by Alexandr Riabushenko who will be targeting similar hilly stages.
#TDF2022 roster update: Unfortunately, Omer Goldstein has been deemed a high risk close contact and will be replaced by Canadian Guillaume Boivin. Daryl Impey was also considered a close contact so the team is waiting to determine if he can race. 📝 👉 bit.ly/3Nwk6hc
🇩🇰🇫🇷 RACE: @LeTour Unfortunately, our rider @samu_batti has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not take part in the Tour de France. @AlexRiabushenko will replace Battistella in our roster for the Tour. #TDF2022 #AstanaQazaqstanTeam
