All the cyclists, still confined for ten days in the United Arab Emirates, learned in the night from Saturday to Sunday that they could finally leave the territory. A third test, after the two carried out on February 28, turned out to be negative. In parallel, the diplomatic work carried out by the French and Russian embassies has borne fruit.
Following the discovery of two positive coronavirus cases, the UAE Tour was stopped on February 27. The majority of the teams had been able to leave the premises, but three teams (the French Groupama-FDJ and Cofidis and the Russian Gazprom) had since been stranded in their hotel.
A real relief
Three days ago, the runners even learned that they would remain confined until March 14. It was a real sporting tile for these high level athletes, but which they accommodated with more or less philosophy.
Arnaud DĂ©mare, the sprinter of Groupama-FDJ, who harbored great ambitions for the start of the season, had nevertheless admitted to us how much his morale was declining and how much he missed his wife and loved ones. He will be able to find them faster than expected.
Good news from Abu Dhabi! After 10 days of confinement, the Cofidis are on their way to the airport. A relief for all runners and staff 🙂🙌
Good News from Abu Dhabi. After 10 days quarantined, Cofidis are on their way back home 🙂🙌 # CofidisMyTeam pic.twitter.com/FL9iAL7t8K