Joao Almeida withdraws from Giro d’Italia after positive Covid-19 test for UAE Team Emirates rider

White jersey holder Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) has withdrawn from the Giro d’Italia after testing positive for Covid-19.

The Portuguese was in the hunt for General Classification glory heading into Stage 17, but was dropped by the race favourites on the second of two punishing first-category climbs.

After the stage, Almeida said: “[It] was really hard and I didn’t feel at my normal level on the last climbs. There are three hard days to go and then a TT, so podium is still possible though it won’t be easy.”

He crossed the line in 14th place on the stage to drop out of the podium places, with Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers), Jai Hindley (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Mikel Landa (Bahrain-Victorious) the top three on the road.

Almeida looked extremely fatigued as he climbed off his bike, and reports on Thursday morning said he had tested positive for coronavirus.

That was confirmed by his team, meaning he would not be on the start line for Stage 18.

He will now head home for some rest and rehabilitation before resetting for the second half of the season. Juan Pedro Lopez (Trek-Segafredo) will take over the white jersey.

More to follow…

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