Australian cycling team Mitchelton-Scott have withdrawn from the Giro d'Italia on Tuesday after being notified of new positive COVID-19 results from a round of tests conducted over the weekend.
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Steven Kruijswijk was one of two riders to test positive for coronavirus after the first rest day, with the other being Australian sprinter Michael Matthews after a total of 571 tests were conducted on riders and staff since the end of stage nine on Sunday evening.
"Just got news that I've returned a positive test for COVID-19," Matthews said.
"Disappointed that this is the way the Giro ends for me after a fantastic first week with the team.
"For now, I'll begin my isolation [and] monitor things closely. Hoping to make a full recovery [and] get back racing soon.
"I am grateful that the rest of Team Sunweb's riders and staff have returned negative tests and that at this stage, non display symptoms of COVID-19.
"The team will continue to closely monitor from within their bubble, operating with as much discipline as possible."
Mitchellton-Scott said: "After undergoing a PCR test at yesterday's Giro d'Italia rest day, Team Sunweb's Michael Matthews has tested positive for COVID-19,.
"He is currently asymptomatic, feels healthy and after receiving the results early this morning, he is now in quarantine."
Mitchelton-Scott said their team were notified of the four positive results for staff members from tests done on Sunday.
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The team were down to five riders - Jack Haig, Lucas Hamilton, Michael Hepburn, Damien Howson and Cameron Meyer - from their original eight after Simon Yates' withdrawal. Eduardo Affini and Brent Bookwalter saw their races ended by crashes during the opening week.
"Unfortunately we received the news on Monday evening that we have returned a number of positive COVID-19 results to members of our staff after our third round of tests in three days," Mitchelton-Scott team manager Brent Copeland said in a statement.
"As a social responsibility to our riders and staff, the peloton and the race organisation we have made the clear decision to withdraw from the Giro d'Italia.
"Thankfully those impacted remain asymptomatic or with mild symptoms."
The Giro resumed with Tuesday's 177km stage from Lanciano to Tortoreto, though the morning's announcement increased fears it may not yet make it to Milan - where it is scheduled to end on October 25.
