The Movistar team announced that team leader Enric Mas has withdrawn from the Tour de France after testing positive for COVID-19.

Movistar road captain Imanol Erviti tested positive for the virus on Thursday, and only six Movistar riders signed on before Friday's 188.3 km stage to Cahors.

Mas became the 16th rider to contract COVID-19 during the Tour de France, even though the peloton was protected by strict rules regarding race bubbles and masks, and access to riders was limited.

"Enric Mas will miss the start of stage 19 of the Tour due to his COVID positive. The Mallorcan remains in good health. Good luck. Get well soon, buddy!" the Movistar team commented via social media.

Mas finished second behind Primoz Roglic in the 2021 Vuelta a España and sixth in the 2021 Tour de France, but has struggled in this year's Tour de France. After Thursday's stage to Autacam, he had slipped to 11th overall.

"To be honest, I'm super disappointed," Matteo Jorgenson said at the start of stage 19.

"I remember the 18 stages I've ridden for him and everything I've suffered for him. Eleventh place in GC in the Tour de France is nothing. We would have been rewarded for our efforts and it's just such a shame to be out like that."

"It's a chaotic morning, very disappointing.

Despite testing positive for COVID-19, Mas is expected to lead the Movistar team at the Vuelta a España, which starts on the 19th.

On Thursday, Elviti, Damiano Caruso (Bahrain Victorious), and Chris Froome (Israel Premier Tech) were forced to withdraw from the Tour de France due to positive tests for COVID-19.