Giro brings back COVID masks after Evenepoel, Ganna struck

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 15 - Giro d'Italia organisers on Monday reintroduced a COVID-19 facemasks mandate in riders' areas after world mile record holder Filippo Ganna and leader Remco Evenepoel of Belgium, the Vuelta winner who had become the race favourite after retaking the pinke jersey in a time trial Sunday, were bioh struck down by the virus and had to leave the world's second biggest stage race after the Tour de France.
    Race director Mauro Vegni announced the move at Scandiano near Reggio Emilia as the Giro went into its first rest day after world cycling's young rising star Evenepoel tested positive after his time trial triumph at Cesena Sunday evening.
    Vegni said the reintroduction of facemasks, which will be up to the teams to enforce since neither the Giro organisation or the International Cycling Union (UCI) has issued a formal mandate, was aimed at safeguarding the health of the riders. (ANSA).