Tour de France - Pogacar worried about corona infection from fans

Following the coronavirus infection of a team-mate, two-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar is concerned about safety from infection. In particular, he sees the proximity to fans during a stage as a source of danger.

"Every day, people shout at you on the climbs, which I like. But it increases the likelihood of catching the virus," said the Slovenian. On Saturday, his helper Vegard Stake Laengen had to give up due to a positive test. Pogacar hopes that the virus is not in the team bubble and that the Norwegian was actually infected by a fan. "I hope that's it and that we're safe until the end."

The tour leader does not see Corona as an invisible rival. "Covid is not a rival. It's just a virus that can affect things and ruin a Tour," said Pogacar. Rivals are riders from teams like Jumbo and Ineos. The 23-year-old was optimistic that his UAE team would still be strong enough with seven riders.

After six pros had to withdraw before the start of the Tour due to positive tests, the biggest cycling race in the world was quiet for a long time. On Saturday morning, Frenchman Geoffrey Bouchard from the AG2R team tested positive alongside Laengen. Many teams test voluntarily in order to recognise illnesses in good time. The next compulsory tests are not due until the rest day on Monday.

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