A big downer for Marianne Vos. The Dutchman from Jumbo-Visma is not allowed to start in Paris-Roubaix Femmes after a positive corona test.
Vincent Van Genechten
Vos deliberately opted out for the Amstel Gold Race with a view to the Helle Classic, where she finished second last year. On Saturday she hoped for more after a 20th place in the Tour of Flanders, a second in Gent-Wevelgem and a seventh in the Strade Bianche.
“You can’t do without a bit of luck in these kinds of competitions. You must have a good day and must not have a material breakdown. We’ll see how it goes,” Vos said on Friday. “At least I’m fit, I’m really looking forward to it, the tire pressure has been tested extensively and we are well prepared as a team, so it can’t be that.”
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But it was due to a positive corona test on the morning of Paris-Roubaix. That is one of the few classics that the almost 35-year-old Vos has not yet won in her career.
“The disappointment is enormous,” said an excited Vos, who has no complaints at the moment. “I have been looking forward to this match. When I tested positive this morning, the world came crashing down for a moment. But I support the team’s policy. You should not take any risks with your health. I’m going home, I’m taking a rest and I hope I continue to feel good.”
“Romy Kasper, Coryn Labecki, Linda Riedmann, Teuntje Beekhuis and Riejanne Markus will start today. They tested negative and, in accordance with the corona protocols, are no close contacts from Vos,” Jumbo-Visma added.
