The riders of the Cofidis cycling team are still trapped in the hotel almost a week after the Tour of the United Arab Emirates cease. According to chairman Thierry Vittu, the situation is becoming increasingly acute.
Last Thursday, the last two stages of the WorldTour race were canceled because the corona virus had been diagnosed in two people in the race. Most teams were allowed to go home within a few days after taking tests, but this is not the case for the French formation.
“I think this situation is not normal,” says chairman Vittu on the website of his team. “We are being held against our will and nobody knows how long that will last. It is good if the media highlights our situation so that pressure can be exerted.”
The French WorldTour team has been told that some test results are still awaiting. The studies conducted so far have all been negative.
“Staff run away when they see us”
According to Vittu, the hospitality of the fearful staff is hard to find. “Our meals are put at our door. And when you meet someone in the corridor of the hotel, he immediately flees.”
“We are being treated as plague victims. Our rooms have not been cleaned since we arrived here. Some can handle the situation well, for others it is more difficult.”
Jumbo-Visma also had to stay in quarantine for a few days after the course had been stopped. On Sunday morning the riders and the staff of the Dutch team were allowed to leave the country.
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