Tour de France: UAE Team Emirates rider withdraws with COVID-19

Vegard Stake Laengen became the second Tour de France rider to pull out of the race with COVID-19, after Geoffrey Bouchard from AG2R-Citroen.

"Vegard tested negative yesterday morning during the routine internal team testing protocol. But he reported sore throat symptoms late last night," team doctor Adriano Rotunno said.

"The COVID-19 antigen test was positive, and the diagnosis was confirmed on a PCR test this morning. As per protocol, for his, the team, and the peloton's safety he will be withdrawn from the race."

His UAE Team Emirates teammates have all tested negative, including Tadej Pogacar who was Saturday's Stage 7 winner and the overall race leader.