‘Is he winding me up?’ - Geraint Thomas believed Remco Evenepoel's Covid positive at Giro d’Italia was a ‘joke’
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Updated 15/05/2023 at 15:58 GMT
Remco Evenepoel’s dreams of clinching the Giro d’Italia were dashed when he received a positive result for Covid-19 hours after he won the individual time trial on Stage 9. The Belgian’s pink jersey replacement, Geraint Thomas, revealed he thought the news was a “joke” and that Evenepoel was “winding him up” before discovering the 23-year-old was out of the race.
Giro d'Italia 2023 Stage 10 preview and route map
Geraint Thomas believed Remco Evenepoel's positive Covid result was a “joke” when he first heard the news break.
The Belgian’s hopes of winning the first Grand Tour of the year, the Giro d’Italia, were over when he tested positive for Covid just hours after extending his lead with an individual time trial win in Stage 9.
Following his withdrawal, Ineos Grenadiers star Thomas will wear the pink jersey on stage 10, despite not believing the news at first.
“He messaged me just before the announcement,” he said. “At first, I kind of thought, ‘Is he winding me up a bit? Telling a bit of a joke?’ After the whole [Primoz] Roglic stuff, as well. But then obviously came the announcement, and it was a bit surprising."
“He said that, basically, he was wanting to let me know he’s going out of the race due to Covid, and good luck. And that was it, basically. We had a brief chat. I said it was s*** news, and sorry to hear that and just to take care and I’ll see him when I see him on the road.
“It’s a huge disappointment for the race. And it might sound weird, but even for myself, I was looking forward to a real, good GC battle with not just Remco and Roglic, but everybody else.
“There would have been a really exciting race.”
The Soudal-Quick Step rider had a 45-second advantage over Thomas in the General Classification at the time of his departure, with the Welshman
.
“Leading the race is a massive honour,” Thomas added. “But at the same time, it’s not really the way you want to take the jersey. It’s what’s happened, and that’s the way it is. I’ll definitely wear it with pride.
“It’s the first time I’ve worn the pink jersey, but as I say, it’s definitely not the way you want to take it. I just wish Remco well and hopefully, he’s back soon.”
Following the news, Evenepoel addressed the situation with a statement.
“I am really sorry to be leaving the race,” said Evenepoel. “As part of the team’s protocol, I took a routine test, which unfortunately was positive.
"My experience here has been really special and I was looking forward to competing over the next two weeks.
“I can’t thank enough the staff and the riders who sacrificed so much in preparation for the Giro. I will be cheering them on over the next two weeks.”
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