Hirschi & Bjerg ruled out of racing due to Covid-19

UAE Team Emirates were hit by two cases of Covid-19 within 24-hours through Marc Hirschi in Tour de Suisse and Mikkel Bjerg at the Tour of Slovenia. Both riders have therefore been withdrawn from competition.

All other teammates and staff at both events were immediately tested and all returned negative tests.
Joel Suter (roommate of Hirschi) and Vegard Stake Laengen (roommate of Bjerg) both returned negative tests, but will both be removed from racing as a precautionary measure.

Adrian Rotunno (Medical Director): “Unfortunately, like many other teams we have also had a surge in Covid-19 cases. Our affected riders have been fully assessed, and are currently mildly symptomatic. The riders sharing a room with the positive cases are deemed high-risk contacts, so in the interest of rider, team and community health, we decided it is best that they also be withdrawn. It’s a pity but the reality is that the virus is still with us as a society and we are monitoring our athletes regularly to be as careful as we can.”