Masks are mandatory again in the Giro d'Italia

When it seemed something completely overcome, the COVID-19 has once again affected a cycling competition as important as the Giro d'Italia. There are already 6 cyclists who have had to withdraw from the race after testing positive for the disease and among them was the top favorite for victory, Remco Evenepoel. The organization has taken action on the matter and the mask will be obligatory again in some areas.

The mask returns to a Giro d'Italia threatened by Covid casualties

Just a few days ago, the WHO closed the international emergency alert for Covid and at the beginning of 2023 the UCI eliminated the protocols for COVID-19. Since then, it is the cyclists and teams themselves who decide how to manage the disease according to their own health.

But the organizers of the Giro d'Italia 2023 want to tackle the number of casualties they are suffering for this reason and have just announced that the mask will be mandatory in all common areas and contact with cyclists, such as the podium, the signing area, press conferences, mixed zone, at the finish line or in the anti-doping test area.

This was announced by Giro director Mauro Vegni: "We relaxed our attention too soon. We cannot let our guard down. As early as this week we will put back some restrictions that had been abolished, such as the obligation to wear masks in the areas where you come into contact with the riders. Should we have done this earlier? Probably yes."

And this is the official statement of the event:

Following recent events related to the positive test results of some cyclists, the Giro d'Italia Management declares the use of masks mandatory in all areas of contact with cyclists.

We will see how the race evolves and if these measures will succeed in stopping the number of cyclists who abandon the race for Covid or if we will find ourselves once again with an unstoppable trend.