Vuelta a España race leader Remco Evenpoel has asked organizers to reduce the number of spectators at the stage finish after GC contenders Pavel Sivakov (Ineos Grenadiers) and Simon Yates (Bike Exchange Jayco) left the race due to positive tests for COVID-19 The organizers were asked to reduce the number of spectators at the stage finish.

"I already knew he tested positive, but I am quite surprised because he had a strong time trial yesterday," Evenpoel said of Sivakov and Yates at the start of stage 11 in Alhama de Murcia.

"I'm even more surprised that they got sick overnight.

Before leaving the Vuelta, Yates was fifth overall and Sibakov was ninth overall after finishing in the top 10 in the time trial.

Other teams, including Evenpole's Quick Step Alfa Vinyl, have also suffered COVID-19 positives in the Vuelta. Sport director Klaas Lodewijk tested positive before the race, and Pieter Serry, the team's key domestique, tested positive in the first week.

Evenpoel argued that measures should be taken to ensure that large crowds are reduced.

"Yesterday the finish line was too crowded and dangerous. Yesterday was a nightmare."

Evenpoel said he would consider talking with race organizers soon, noting that the summit finish in the Sierra Nevada was one of the most dangerous stages.

"I can only imagine the people on the side of the road. We may have to make a statement and try to keep the race as safe as possible."

He said.

Evenpoel asked if there were any other options, but did not agree with the idea of letting the athletes continue if they were symptom-free.

"I think they say if you are not symptomatic you can continue racing, but even if you are not symptomatic it is quite dangerous for your body."

He cited as an example his teammate Pieter Serry, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week and "has heart problems." Evenpoel said that while it is great for the public to attend the race, excessive crowds are "not a good thing."

"It's super unfortunate for Simon and Pavel. They worked really hard to be in this Vuelta. Hopefully this will be the last case like this, but I fear it won't be."

It was subsequently announced that media access to the start and finish team areas would be banned for stage 11. Similar restrictions were imposed during the second week of the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia.