Joao Almeida did not start Sunday’s stage of the Vuelta a Espana after he was diagnosed with an infection.
“Joao reported feeling unwell during stage 8 of La Vuelta. After further examination and undergoing a PCR test which confirmed a COVID-19 infection,” said Dr Adrian Rotunno, the team’s medical director.
“The decision has been made to withdraw him from the race in the best interest of his, the team, and the peloton’s safety. He will now travel home for recovery.”
Another big victim of the day was young classification leader Antonio Tiberi that suffered from heat stroke during stage 9 and was forced to abandon the race.
“Antonio Tiberi felt unwell during stage 9 suffering from heat stroke, becoming lightheaded with a high body temperature,” the team shared in a social media message. “Cooling methods helped stabilize him, and he is now in good condition, but sadly, he had to abandon La Vuelta. Get well soon Antonio “.
