The organizers of the Tour de France do not forget the Covid-19: demanding protocols are maintained

An anti-Covid protocol will be imposed on the Tour de France (from July 1 to 23) that provides for the return of the mask and social distancing

It was learned this Sunday from various sources.

The organizers of Amaury Sport Organization (ASO) did not confirm the measures that will be applied in the Grande Boucle. But a meeting with the sports directors, on Saturday, the eve of the Critérium du Dauphiné, made it possible to define these things, several team members reported.

The protocol provides for limited access to the finish line for the members of each team and the mandatory wearing of a mask in the paddocks for journalists and guests.

For cyclists, it will be a question of limiting interactions outside the “bubble” established around the race as much as possible, especially avoiding eating outside, but also avoiding too much proximity with spectators (selfies and autographs will be prohibited).

Even if for many the Covid-19 seems only a distant memory, the organizers do not want to live the same misadventure as the Giro d’Italia, last month, especially marked by the abandonment of the leader and great favorite Remco Evenepoel before even half of the race, after a positive test for the coronavirus.

In the Dauphiné, the cyclists practically all wore the mask on Sunday, before the start of the first stage.

It should be noted that the winner of the first stage of the Dauphiné Critérium was Christophe Laporte, a Jumbo Visma cyclist, who starred in a sensational race finish, since the lead at the front was only Rune Herregodts (Intermaché Circus Wanty), who was about three meters from the finish line he was reached by his pursuers and had to settle for third place.

The emotions of this competition continue this Monday with a new day with medium mountains, which will have fourth category peaks. The race will be broadcast by Caracol Televisión and CarcolSports.com