Defending champion Tadej Pogacar has to cope with a setback shortly before the start of the Tour de France.
Like his team UAE two days before the start of the race, the Italian Matteo Trentin has to miss the race due to a coronavirus infection.
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Swiss rider Marc Hirschi was nominated to replace Trentin. Trentin should support Pogacar especially on the flat stages and on the Cobblestone section next Wednesday help. The tour starts on Friday in Copenhagen.
"Although he is disappointed, he feels good and has no symptoms at this time," the team announced. Trentin might even have been able to start. According to the UCI's coronavirus regulations published on Tuesday, a rider who tests positive is allowed to start if he has no symptoms and is not contagious.
The final decision lies with the doctors of the UCI and the Tour organiser ASO.
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