Organisers of the Tour de France have decided to a new COVID-19 protocol for this year's race to restrict the spread of the virus at the event. The major concerns are regarding the health and safety of the peloton, with riders, team staff and officials. Hence everyone involved has been asked to wear face masks at sign-on and in the team paddock, similarly, the authorities have banned the signing of autographs over the race.
As per reports, these strict regulations were set for the Criterium du Dauphine race before the Tour de France. Soon these measures were implemented in the marque event later as per Cyclingnews. Races and teams were then asked to work under the limited UCI COVID-19 protocol that was drawn up in January when COVID-19 cases were falling.
According to Reuters, access to the team paddock was permitted after the Tour started in Bilbao. "Do not get too close to the spectators - Social distancing, no selfies, no autographs,” a document seen by Reuters, said. "For all the team members: Respect a confinement - Limit the interactions outside the race bubble. No eating out. Respect social distancing at the hotel."
Addressing these restrictions, Soudal-QuickStep rider Julian Alaphilippe spoke about being careful and vigilant instead of missing the event. He said, "I'm still being careful: it may be too much but we have to remain vigilant, I prefer that to missing the Tour de France,”
"Cycling remains the only sport where you have a lot of controls: it spoils the party a bit, but we have to get used to it. In order not to stay at home in July and throw away all the sacrifices we’ve made, we must continue to stay in a bubble. Maybe the measures are too heavy, but I really want to ride the Tour," he further added.
