Tuesday’s opening stage of the Vuelta a Burgos saw the pro peloton adhere to the new rules for COVID-19 safety, which included mandatory masks, temperature checks, and the use of hand sanitizer. The stage was held in front of few fans, and there were few photographers and media invited to the event.
The Spanish stage race marks the return of international pro cycling, and officials seemed focused on making sure the event went off without a hiccup.
Mikel Nieve looks out from behind his mask and glasses at the starting village in Burgos. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images
Reigning world champion Mads Pedersen is back racing after the hiatus due to the coronavirus. Pedersen and his Trek-Segafredo teammates wore sponsor-emblazoned masks at the start. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images
Riders also had to submit to a temperature check as part of the pre-race safety controls. Here, Mikel Landa (Bahrain-McLaren) adjusts his helmet to allow the thermometer to check his forehead. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images
João Almeida of Team Deceuninck-Quick-Step finished second on stage 1 of the Vuelta a Burgos, behind Felix Grosshartner (Bora-Hansgrohe). On the podium Almeida gave an elbow bump after he was presented with the Best Young Rider jersey. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images
Sam Bennett, Andrea Bagioli, and Shane Archbold of Team Deceuninck – Quick-Step kept their masks on as teammate Remco Evenepoel answered questions on stage. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images
Yuriy Natarov of Astana Pro Team submits to a temperature control. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images
Alejandro Valverde and Marc Soler greeted the crowds in Burgos with their medical masks in place. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images
Ivan Sosa led Team Ineos into the sign-in area, where all riders used hand sanitizer provided by the race organization. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images
Remco Evenepoel of Team Deceuninck-Quick-Step kept his mask on even as he fielded questions by the race announcer. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images
Everyone in the start area was required to wear masks, including the riders, who wore their masks as they stepped onto the stage for sign-in. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images
Jose Manuel Diaz Gallego and Biniam Hailu of Team Nippo Delko Provence prepare for the team presentation in front of the Burgos Cathedral prior to stage 1. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images
Signs advertised the mandatory safety measures inside the rider area at stage 1 of the Vuelta a Burgos. Social distancing, masks, and regular hand washing were all requirements. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images