Team Ineos latest to withdraw from all racing

Team Ineos have followed in the footsteps of Australian outfit Mitchelton-Scott announcing they will withdraw from all racing until the Volta a Catalunya.

Team Ineos

Source: Getty Images

The British based team announced they made the decision after the death of directeur sportif Nicholas Portal on Tuesday, adding the ongoing coronavirus situation also played a major factor.

Ineos will skip Paris-Nice, Bokere Koerse and the Bredene Koksijde Classic while they will also not participate in Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico and Milan-San Remo which are in doubt of taking place.

The rapid increase in cases of Covid-19 has forced race rivals Mitchelton-Scott to announce on Wednesday they would pull out of all upcoming events, while EF Pro Cycling and Jumbo-Visma have decided to not compete in the upcoming slate of races in Italy

"We have taken this decision given the unique set of circumstances we are facing," said Ineos team principal Dave Brailsford.

"This is a uniquely sad moment for everyone at the team. We have lost someone we all loved very much and are all grieving for Nico.

"It is right for the team given what has happened, but I also believe it is in the best interests of both cycling and the wider public (due to the coronavirus outbreak).

"This pause will give us the time to grieve for Nico in private, to support each other at what is a very sad moment and to treasure the memory of a great and much-loved teammate and friend. We hope everyone will understand why this is so important to us."


Share
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow SBS Sport
2 min read
Published 5 March 2020 2:28pm


Share this with family and friends