Juan Ayuso withdrew from the Tour de France after experiencing a worsening of symptoms related to COVID-19, despite initially being cleared to continue riding with very low positive values.
The 21-year-old cyclist, part of the UAE Team Emirates, faced an unfortunate turn of events during the race. He had recently tested positive for COVID-19 in a team test. However, due to "very low positive values," he was permitted to continue competing.
Sequence of Events Leading to Withdrawal
Juan Ayuso's health deteriorated rapidly, leading to his decision to abandon the prestigious cycling event.
- Initial COVID-19 Test: Ayuso tested positive for COVID-19 during a team screening.
- Continuation in Race: Despite the positive test, the "very low positive values" allowed him to remain in the Tour de France.
- Symptom Onset: He began to feel unwell during Stage 12 of the race.
- Worsening Condition: His symptoms significantly intensified overnight after Stage 12.
- Official Withdrawal: Recognizing the severity of his condition, the UAE Team Emirates medical director confirmed his withdrawal, stating, "Juan felt unwell during stage 12 and symptoms unfortunately worsened overnight." This decision was made to prioritize his health and recovery.
Key Details
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Cyclist | Juan Ayuso |
| Age | 21 years old |
| Team | UAE Team Emirates |
| Event | Tour de France |
| Timing | After Stage 12 |
| Reason | Worsening COVID-19 symptoms, following an initial test with very low positive values that had allowed him to continue racing. |
| Outcome | Withdrew from the race. |
| Further Information | For more details regarding his withdrawal and the circumstances, you can refer to reports from reputable cycling news outlets such as Velo. |
His departure highlighted the persistent challenges faced by professional sports teams in managing public health concerns during major competitions.
