Movistar (opens in new tab) sport director Pablo Lastras, after the team pulled two of its first starters as a precautionary measure for COVID-19 (opens in new tab), told the Israel Startup Nation that the Vuelta a Burgos (opens in new opens in a new tab), the team outright rejected the suggestion to stop the Vuelta a Burgos (opens in a new tab).

Two of Israel Startup Nation's players, Alex Dowsett (opens in new tab) and Itamar Einhorn, were in contact with a third teammate, Omer Goldstein, who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week; both have since tested negative.

Meanwhile, the teammates were in contact with the third teammate who tested positive for COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Lastras categorically denied reports in Belgian newspapers on Wednesday that Movistar had suggested to Israel Startup Nation that the entire team quit as a precautionary measure.

"I categorically deny it," Lastras said Wednesday evening. Neither Movistar nor any other team has made such comments. It is a false rumor."

Lastras noted that one of Movistar's other sports directors, Txente García Acosta, is part of the race committee that handles prevention and strategy for COVID-19. He also suggested that more media coverage should be given to the extensive behind-the-scenes work that teams are doing "to race safely."

He noted that "we are all subject to the norms of our respective governments, not only at home, but also in the countries in which we compete."

Lastras also looked ahead to Thursday's crucial summit finish stage at the Picon Blanco, noting that with such a highly exposed climb, "wind will be an important factor. If we get a headwind or crosswind, things will change dramatically."

"It's an important test," Lastras said.

"If we are not in good shape, we need to try not to lose as much time as possible in order to recover on Saturday in Lagunas de Neira. It will be an interesting day."