Alpecin-Fenix withdraw from Volta a Catalunya due to COVID-19 outbreak

The Alpecin-Fenix team have confirmed they will not ride in next week's Volta Catalunya - which you can watch LIVE, FREE and in HD on SBS VICELAND - after three staff members tested positive for COVID-19.

Tim Merlier of Belgium and Team Alpecin-Fenix during the 19th Bredene Koksijde Classic 2021 Source: Velo

The Belgian ProTeam explained that they could not replace the team staff that have gone into isolation and quarantine and so, in accordance with the race organiser, they decided not to take part in the WorldTour stage race, which starts on Tuesday (AEDT). 

Mathieu van der Poel will lead Alpecin-Fenix at Milan-San Remo on Saturday and then focus on the Spring Classics, and so he was not expected to ride the Volta a Catalunya.

"Three members of Alpecin-Fenix recently returned positive test results. In order to minimize the risk of spreading the virus, it has been decided to isolate and quarantine all the team’s staff that were supposed to travel to the Volta," the team said via a statement.   

"Given that it’s impossible for our team to replace the entire staff for the Volta, therefore in accordance with the organisers, we will not be present at the centenary edition of the Volta. 

"We want to emphasize that this decision was taken to protect the health of everyone involved and for the benefit of the cycling bubble, in order to ensure a safe beginning of the race." 

One of cycling's greatest talents, Sagan will participate in the Volta Catalunya for the first time in his career. 

Sagan will be one of the great names of the 100th edition of the Vuelta, which will see cyclists such as Alejandro Valverde, Marc Soler and Enric Mas, Richard Carapaz, Chris Froome, Thomas De Gendt and Marc Hirschi. 

So far there are four Aussies confirmed for the start list: Jai Hindley,  Lucas Hamilton, Jack Haig and Chris Harper. 

Aussie Richie Porte actually won the event with Team Sky in 2015. 

The race will start in Calella this coming Tuesday morning (AEDT) and includes stages of medium and high mountains, two high-altitude arrivals, a time trial through the Pla de l'Estany area and sections suitable for sprinters.

Volta Catalunya on SBS VICELAND

March 23-29

LIVE to Eastern States (delayed to other time zones on SBS HD), live streaming to all SBS On Demand 

Live on SBS VICELAND: Volta Catalunya Stage 1

Tuesday March 23 

0145 - 0315 

Live on SBS VICELAND: Volta Catalunya Stage 2

Wednesday March 24 

0145 - 0315

Live on SBS VICELAND: Volta Catalunya Stage 3

Thursday March 25 

0145 - 0315

Live on SBS VICELAND: Volta Catalunya Stage 4

Friday March 26

0145 - 0315 

Live on SBS VICELAND: Volta Catalunya Stage 5

Saturday March 27

0145 - 0315 

Live on SBS VICELAND: Volta Catalunya Stage 6

Sunday March 28

0145 - 0315 

Live on SBS VICELAND: Volta Catalunya Stage 7

Monday March 29

0145 - 0315