The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) clarifies the terms of the Covid-19 health protocol that will apply to La Vuelta Ciclista a España, taking place from 19 August to 11 September 2022.
The measures implemented will be the same as those already applied to the recent Tour de France, in line with the "Rules for the organisation of road cycling competitions in the context of the coronavirus pandemic" (updated for the Grand Tours on 24 June).
The UCI issues a reminder that among the provisions of the protocol, some are mandatory and others are strongly recommended.
The mandatory measures are as follows:
two days before the start of the race, presentation of at least one negative antigen test for all members of the teams (riders and staff);
on the rest days of the event (29 August and 5 September), a Covid-19 antigen test for all team members (riders and staff), as well as for Commissaires (International and National), UCI Technical Delegates and anti-doping control personnel.
In the event of a case of Covid-19 within a team being confirmed by an antigen test then by a PCR test (whether a rider or a member of staff), the decision to potentially isolate the case shall be taken collectively by the team doctor concerned, the Covid-19 doctor for the event and the UCI Medical Director, on the basis of the clinical and biological elements available.
Strongly-recommended measures are as follows:
during the five days preceding the race, daily antigen tests for all team members (riders and staff) in order to verify nobody is carrying the virus, which is essential for the constitution of the team bubbles and the peloton bubble;
during the race - if possible daily but at least every two to three days -, antigen tests for team members (except riders). The same principle of monitoring is recommended for Commissaires (International and National), UCI Technical Delegates and anti-doping control personnel, based on antigen self-testing.
The detailed "Rules to be applied for the organisation of road cycling competitions in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic" are available here.
The UCI and its partners remind all concerned parties that the rules introduced over the last two years in the interest of everyone's health and safety continue to apply. These include the obligation to wear a mask, to maintain sufficient physical distance and to disinfect hands frequently. These measures remain very important to avoid the contamination of riders and the potential consequences of such contamination.