Half of cycling teams cleared to leave quarantined hotels

Abu Dhabi - The guests and cycling teams that were allowed to leave tested negative for the virus.

Half of the 20 teams from the UAE Tour have been cleared to leave the country on Sunday, after being quarantined as part of Covid-19 precautions. Some of them have already landed in their home countries, Khaleej Times has learnt.
The guests and cycling teams that were allowed to leave tested negative for the virus.
"No cases have been confirmed. We are working closely with the local authorities to facilitate the departure of remaining guests," a spokeswoman of the one of the hotels said.
Hundreds of people involved in the event were placed under quarantine at two luxury hotels in the Capital, after two Italian technicians were diagnosed with Covid-19. Since then, no other case from the tour has been reported.
Team Ineos, with seven-time Grand Tour winner Chris Froome, was relieved as all its riders and staff were found healthy.
"Thank you to all those who have helped us and looked after the team over recent days," Team Ineos said.
An official from the Indian Embassy told Khaleej Times that there were about 60 Indian guests at the two hotels and almost all of them have also left. "Some of them have already reached India," the official said.
The Netherlands' Team Jumbo-Visma, Team Bahrain McLaren, French side AG2RLM Pro, and Poland's CCC all left the UAE shores.
Members of the only Italian side Vini Zabu - KTM are already home.
German side Bora-Hansgrohe announced that their whole team was 'cleared', but not everyone could fly on Sunday.
"We wish our colleagues and friends could go home soon," they said.
Spanish side Movistar left Abu Dhabi as a full team for Madrid. "We thank all those who sincerely showed their support and concern for us," said the team.
Movistar includes 39-year-old Alejandro Valverde, who said: "I am looking forward to returning home after several days at hotel. We are well."
More teams and guests are expected to exit the country on Monday.
Guests were allowed to leave only once they had boarding pass for the day's flight.
A spokesperson of a quarantined hotel said: "All other guests (will) remain in the hotel pending their screening results and clearance. We will resume normal operations as soon we have the clearance."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi