What was the decision?
Guillaume had complained of sore throats since Friday. The team doctor did an antigen test on him last night. It was negative on Friday night. However, the antigen test that was done yesterday turned out to have been positive. The doctor also performed a second test for safety. We reached out to ASO management and the UCI medical director, who requested that we perform a PCR test today. The result was again positive. The CT index, which measures the rate of contagion, indicates that he is still in the initial phase. We believe that his contagiousness will rise. Guillaume is a danger to the entire platoon. For everyone's safety, it has been decided that Guillaume will not be allowed to start.
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It's like a lotto now...
All arrangements have been made, including infrared devices on the bus, in riders' rooms and in the dining room. This system was put in place to prevent the virus from spreading in a room, but it does spread in the peloton. There is no infrared helmet on the helmet, so we don't know what has happened in the past. Tonight, we must do another test to determine if this is an isolated case or a group of cases in progress. We'll have to be more cautious and maybe impose tighter protections for the runners.
Guillaume did a great job yesterday. Is it too harsh to dismiss him?
The effects of post-Covid are beyond our control. It can take a rider months to feel good, and some riders in the peloton may not be at their peak. We don't know if the Covid is responsible. Guillaume must get back on his bike as soon as possible. To force him to make a positive case is absurd.
Are the overall measures sufficient?
All of us wear the mask, but we all realize it isn't enough. We cannot do more for our side. It is not possible to do more outside of the bubble. We are more susceptible to contamination.
