João Almeida Quits Vuelta Due to Positive COVID-19 Test
UAE Team Emirates Suffers Major Setback
Almeida's Departure a Big Blow to Team's GC Chances
In a major blow to UAE Team Emirates, João Almeida has been forced to withdraw from the Vuelta a España after testing positive for COVID-19.
Almeida, who was the team's leader in the general classification, had been in contention for a podium finish.
The Portuguese rider had been feeling unwell in the final stages of the eighth stage and was tested for COVID-19 as a precaution. The test came back positive, ruling Almeida out of the race.
Almeida's withdrawal is a big blow to UAE Team Emirates, who were hoping to challenge for the overall victory in the Vuelta.
The team will now have to regroup and重新评估options in the race.
- Almeida had been in fourth place overall, 1:12 behind race leader Remco Evenepoel.
- He had won two stages in the race, including the summit finish on stage 11.
- Almeida's withdrawal is the latest in a series of setbacks for UAE Team Emirates in the Vuelta.
Earlier in the race, the team lost two other riders to COVID-19, including sprinter Fernando Gaviria.
Almeida's withdrawal is a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, even as the world begins to return to normal.
The Vuelta a España is one of the three Grand Tours, along with the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia.
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