Danish rider Michael Morkov pulled out of the Tour de France just before the start of the 12th stage due to a positive COVID-19 test, his team announced. The 39-year-old cyclist returned a positive result on Wednesday night, leading Astana to make the difficult decision to withdraw him from the race to protect his long-term health.
Danish cyclist Michael Morkov during stage 10 of the 2024 Tour de France cycling race. (POOL LUCA BETTINI/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
This development is particularly challenging for Morkov, who is set to retire at the end of this year after competing in his final Tour de France.
Morkov’s Olympic Journey
Morkov’s withdrawal from the Tour de France comes just before he is scheduled to participate in his final Olympic Games later this month. The seasoned rider, a three-time Olympian, has a decorated Olympic history, clinching a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a gold medal in the Madison track event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Notably, this year’s Tour de France deviates from tradition as it will not culminate in Paris due to the upcoming Olympics.
Morkov’s Professional Career
Turning professional in 2009, Morkov has had a successful career, winning the Denmark National Championships in the road race in 2013, 2018, and 2019. In 2013, he also secured a victory at the Spanish Vuelta.
Meanwhile, Stage 12 of the Tour de France witnessed Biniam Girmay capturing his third stage win.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Danish rider Michael Morkov pulled out of the Tour de France just before the start of the 12th stage due to a positive COVID-19 test, his team announced. The 39-year-old cyclist returned a positive result on Wednesday night, leading Astana to make the difficult decision to withdraw him from the race to protect his long-term health.
Danish cyclist Michael Morkov during stage 10 of the 2024 Tour de France cycling race. (POOL LUCA BETTINI/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
This development is particularly challenging for Morkov, who is set to retire at the end of this year after competing in his final Tour de France.
Morkov’s Olympic Journey
Morkov’s withdrawal from the Tour de France comes just before he is scheduled to participate in his final Olympic Games later this month. The seasoned rider, a three-time Olympian, has a decorated Olympic history, clinching a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a gold medal in the Madison track event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Notably, this year’s Tour de France deviates from tradition as it will not culminate in Paris due to the upcoming Olympics.
Morkov’s Professional Career
Turning professional in 2009, Morkov has had a successful career, winning the Denmark National Championships in the road race in 2013, 2018, and 2019. In 2013, he also secured a victory at the Spanish Vuelta.
Meanwhile, Stage 12 of the Tour de France witnessed Biniam Girmay capturing his third stage win.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
