Alexey Lutsenko did not compete in Sunday's world championship road race after testing positive for COVID-19 two days before the race.

The Kazakhstan national champion had won a stage at Mont Eguar in the Tour de France and was expected to take the rainbow jersey on the demanding Imola circuit. But he was one of three who did not start.

"Alexey Lutsenko will not be able to compete in the World Cup on September 27 due to a positive test for coronavirus COVID-19," the Kazakhstan Cycling Federation said in a statement on its social media channels.

"Lutsenko tested positive on September 25. At this time, the results of the retest are expected and that will determine the athlete's future program."

Lutsenko's Astana team told Cycling News that Lutsenko tested positive for COVID-19 before moving from his home in Monaco to Imola for the World Championships.

Lutsenko said he is not aware of any symptoms, but must refrain for seven days or until he tests negative. He was scheduled to compete in the Flèche Wallonne on Wednesday, as well as in many of the other Classics in October. He will not be able to train outdoors for at least a week.

Two others who did not compete in Sunday's elite men's road race were Nathanael Berhane (Eritrea) and Nikias Arndt (Germany).