Australian National Team Staff Test Positive for Coronavirus

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Australian National Team Staff Test Positive for Coronavirus

A staff member of the Australian national team working at the recent UCI Track World Championships in Berlin has tested positive for coronavirus.

The Adelaide-based man was diagnosed with COVID-19 on the night of March 16, 12 days after returning to Australia from Germany on March 4.

In a press release, Cycling Australia did not specify when or where the man was tested or when he first complained of feeling unwell.

"This staff member had minimal contact with fellow staff and athletes after returning from overseas and had no direct contact with staff or athletes after his symptoms began. He is currently receiving appropriate treatment," the statement said.

"The Adelaide Superdrome office and training area has been closed as a precautionary measure and all staff and athletes of the Australian cycling team have been instructed to stay home.

"The Superdrome will be cleaned and sanitized in preparation for a weekend return to work and training, and a social distancing policy will be implemented to support ongoing risk management when the team returns.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Cycling Australia said that all track riders in the national team program are in Australia for the Olympics following the championships.

Road and track cycling has been suspended due to the global coronavirus outbreak, and ASO announced Tuesday that the Tour de Yorkshire, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Flèche Wallonne, the long road events to the list of events.

Some Australian road cyclists took advantage of the spring classics to compete in the Olympics.

A spokeswoman said that Cycling Australia was discussing and considering plans for a test event and team camp.

"Staff and coaches are currently working on all areas where COVID-19 has impacted all teams. Cancellation of events listed as Performance Standard events and events that contribute to the Qualifying Quota are two of the many areas.

Australia's track delegation to the 2020 Tokyo Games will be announced on Thursday. Road representatives will be announced on May 3, BMX freestyle on May 27, and BMX racing and mountain biking on June 17.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is optimistic that the Games will go ahead as planned, despite the current suspension of most international competitions.

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