Simon Yates tested positive for COVID-19 and has been ruled out of the Vuelta a España.

Simon Yates, the leader of the BikeExchange-Jayco team, was in fifth place overall after Tuesday's time trial, 4:50 behind race leader Remco Evenpole. He was looking for a podium finish to earn UCI ranking points for the Australian team as it fights to avoid relegation from the WorldTour.

The team announced that its medical team would conduct further tests to ensure the safety of other team riders and staff.

"During the night, rider Simon Yates was showing symptoms of COVID-19 with a slight fever and body aches," said team doctor Dani Castillo.

"We performed a COVID-19 test this morning and unfortunately he tested positive, so the rider's health and well-being is our top priority and he will not be able to be on the start line for today's stage 11.

Later Wednesday morning, Ineos Grenadiers announced that Pavel Sivakov would also miss the start of stage 11 after testing positive. The Frenchman was in ninth place overall after Tuesday's time trial.

"This morning, Pavel Sivakov tested positive for lateral flow and will miss the start of stage 11 of the Vuelta a España, according to team and UCI protocol.

Yates and Sivakov are the first overall candidates to be excluded from the Vuelta a España due to COVID-19.

"What a covid. ...... Fortunately he is asymptomatic and in good shape. It's a shame to part ways with the boys so early. I wish you guys the best, stay healthy and stay out of trouble!" Sivakov said on social media following the news of his departure.

Yates, the 2018 Vuelta champion, also developed COVID-19 and was forced to retire from the 2020 Giro d'Italia.

Just before the start of stage 11, which was expected to be a sprint stage to Cabo de Gata, Spain's Expo Cologne Pharma announced that Roger Adrià, Héctor Carretero, and Pau Mikel had tested positive and left the race.

On Tuesday, Ethan Hayter (Ineos Grenadiers), Jose Elada (Cofidis), Eduardo Affini (Jumbo Visma), and Harry Swinney (Lotto Soudal) will be out on Monday rest day, while Jarrad Drizners (Lotto Soudal) and Matthias Norsgaard (Movistar) tested positive and left the race after retiring.

There are 151 riders remaining in the Vuelta, 21 of whom have abandoned due to positive COVID-19 tests.