Egan Bernal tested negative for Covid-19 coronavirus after self-isolating on his return to Colombia from Europe The 2019 Tour de France winner left his European base in Andorra last week and arrived in Colombia on March 14.

Bernal gave a short interview to ESPN Deportes (opens in new tab) as he left the airport last Saturday, noting that few checks were conducted upon arrival. Colombia has since suspended international flight arrivals and declared a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

"A few days ago I arrived from Europe and was quarantined at home, as the authorities say," Bernal wrote. 'A few days later I contacted the Ministry of Health because I came from an area with a high risk of infection. A few days later I contacted the Ministry of Health because I came from an area with a high risk of infection. Yesterday, the Ministry of Health came to my house and tested me and I was negative for Covid-19."

Over the past week, Bernal has been posting on social media images of himself on a smart trainer at his home in Zipaquila, sending out messages urging social distancing and increased hygiene. On Friday, he confirmed on Twitter that he had been tested for Covid-19 as he returned from Europe, currently the epicenter of the pandemic.

"Will continue to do the same at home," Bernal wrote. 'I will continue the quarantine period and support my country of origin. I want to call on the Colombian people to stay off the streets unless necessary. Not everyone has the same benefits as others (that is clear), but please stay home if you can."

"I want to sincerely thank all the people from all over Colombia who are working day and night to bring this situation under control. This is braver than winning the Tour de France and you are all national heroes right now."

Bernal raced exclusively in his home country in 2020, overcoming a fall to finish second in the Colombian national championship road race. He also placed third in a time trial and fourth in the Tour Colombia 2.1.

The 23-year-old had planned to continue his season in Paris-Nice, but Team Ineos withdrew from the race in March, citing the tragic death of director Nicolas Portal and the risks posed by competing during a coronavirus pandemic.