The locomotive no longer runs.

To the great regret of Tadej Pogacar.

"I hope that we arrive in Paris with seven riders," said the Slovenian wearer of the yellow jersey.

His team UAE Emirates, like every team with eight professionals, is already decimated at the end of the first week of the tour.

Vegard Stake Laengen, described by Pogacar as the “locomotive” of his team, like Frenchman Geoffrey Bouchard (AG2R Citroën) retired from the race on Saturday morning due to a corona infection with symptoms.

That's a problem for the defending champion, because the Norwegian is an important support on flat terrain.

In addition, Pogacar now knows that the virus has penetrated its immediate vicinity.

And possibly working his way through his own ranks – which could end his entire expedition to the third Tour victory in a row.

Mandatory tests are pending

So far, Pogacar has the opponents on the asphalt under control, but the 23-year-old has no handle against the opponent who comes in aerosol form.

On Sunday evening, UAE Emirates, and all the other teams, began to worry.

A mandatory corona (antigen) test was scheduled for all racers and supervisors before the rest day.

There is a high probability that other drivers will have to leave after confirmation by a PCR test.

The corona-related end for the French star Guillaume Martin (Cofidis) had already become known on Sunday morning.

Simon Geschke fetches mountain jersey

After that, the ninth stage, including the entrance to the Alps, was followed by cycling to the ski resort of Châtel Les Portes du Soleil.

Luxembourg's Bob Jungels triumphed after 193 kilometers.

Simon Geschke (Cofidis) had a spirited performance.

The man from Freiburg secured the mountain jersey – a great success.

“I died a few deaths in the last climb.

But I definitely wanted to take the chance to get this jersey," said Geschke.

Corona hung like a sword of Damocles over this Tour of France from the start.

In tests before the start in Copenhagen, six professionals had positive results, they were quickly replaced with followers.

After that, the topic was largely suppressed in the hectic everyday life on the tour.

The joy of the crowds on the side of the road in Denmark trumped the worries.

Hardly any restrictions

Neither the teams nor the tour organizers nor the world cycling association UCI, which appeals to the personal responsibility of the teams, have an interest in the spectacle losing its shine due to a thinned-out peloton.

In this industry, which is trimmed for top performance in all areas, one should not rule out cases being covered up.

Especially during the most important three weeks of the year, when over 70 percent of the advertising value of the teams is achieved.

During the 2020 tour, which was postponed to August, and also in summer 2021, the Grande Boucle could be held relatively unscathed thanks to the complete isolation of the teams in bubbles.

This year there are hardly any restrictions.

For example, the hundreds of reporters do not have to prove tests, but wear masks when in contact with team members.

In the crowd at the team buses, however, some slip and there is usually no question of keeping your distance.

For this purpose, the teams travel to hotels that are also occupied by other guests.

CT value and symptoms decide

A positive corona test no longer necessarily means the end for a professional.

Despite the increasing number of cases, the UCI had relaxed the rules before the tour.

A committee consisting of the respective team doctor, the Corona representative of the tour and a doctor from the UCI will now advise on every positive finding.

Depending on the CT value and possible absence of symptoms, it can even be decided that professionals who have tested positive are allowed to continue the race.

Incidents like the Tour de Suisse a few weeks ago are horrible for those responsible for the Tour of France.

Almost half of the peloton, including four entire teams, left the race prematurely due to the corona.

The German professional Jonasrutsch from the EF Education-Easypost team was still sitting with the whole team at the dinner table - and the next morning only with one colleague at the breakfast table.

Teams have very different approaches to testing their staff throughout the tour.

Some do it every day, others only rarely.

The German stable Bora-hansgrohe tested daily in the first four days after meeting at the tour, since then only with symptoms.

Cycling has always thrived on the closeness of riders and fans.

The goosebump moments and touching images only arise in this special symbiosis based on physical closeness.

After the rest day, the difficult Alpine stages are scheduled for Tuesday.

The riders are slow on the climbs and the line of fans cheering loudly from both sides is tight.

“We get cheered and shouted at by a lot of spectators during the stages, which I really appreciate.

But it also increases the likelihood of getting infected," Pogacar said.

"It's possible that Corona will ruin the tour."