The new coronavirus wave in Europe is causing serious problems in cycling just two weeks before the start of the Tour de France.

At the Tour de Suisse on Friday, more than 30 riders have so far had to withdraw from the race, including Russian overall leader Aleksandr Vlasov from the German Bora-hansgrohe team after a positive test.

UAE Team Emirates as well as Bahrain Victorious and Alpecin-Fenix have even withdrawn their entire teams because of several cases, after Jumbo-Visma pulled out the day before.

There was also a case in the team of Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar, who is racing for the UAE outfit at his home Tour of Slovenia.

Dane Mikkel Bjerg tested positive and as a precaution, his Norwegian roommate Vegard Stake Laengen has also had to leave.