Gruissan (France), Jul 16 (AP) Chris Harper of Australia has withdrawn from the Tour de France ahead of Tuesday's 16th stage, his team said, as COVID-19 infections continue to hit cycling's marquee event.

The Jayco Alula team said that Harper “is suffering from COVID symptoms and following medical advice he will return home to rest and recover properly for the next goals.”

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Harper's withdrawal marks the latest case of coronavirus at the three-week race, following those of Juan Ayuso — a teammate of race leader Tadej Pogacar — Tom Pidcock and Maxim Van Gils.

Tour de France organizers have reintroduced protective measures against the virus, including mandatory mask-wearing for all those who might get in contact with riders and teams staff on the race. (AP)

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(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)