Simon Yates has tested positive for COVID-19 and has withdrawn from the Giro D’Italia as a result.

“Simon displayed a very mild temperature on Friday evening during our routine temperature checks, which have been completed three times per day during the course of the Giro d’Italia,” Mitchelton Scott team doctor Matteo Beltemacchi said.

“Following the team’s RACESAFE COVID-19 policy, he was isolated in his room and we immediately requested a rapid test using the services offering by the RCS, which has returned positive.”

“Simon’s health remains our main concern and, thankfully, his symptoms remain very mild and he is otherwise in good health. We want to thank the RCS for their support in arranging the quick testing and his transport.

“All other riders and staff have returned negative results and have been cleared to continue the race, but as a precautionary measure we will monitor the situation closely and undergo further testing in the coming days.”

The positive yes could go some way to explaining why Yates was dropped, and subsequently lost time, on Stage three of the Giro, climbing Mount Etna.

With Yates returning a positive result there now lies a question mark over the whole Michelton-Scott team and the Giro itself.

This page will be updated.