Aussie cyclist Michael Matthews joins Dustin Johnson and Cristiano Ronaldo on Covid sick list

Australian cyclist Michael Matthews has joined a host of high-profile sports stars struck down by COVID-19.

Australian rider Michael Matthews has withdrawn from the Tour of Italy

The world’s No 1 ranked golfer, Dustin Johnson, has it. The world’s best soccer player, Cristiano Ronaldo, has it. World No 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic had it a little while ago. Now Australian cyclist Michael Matthews has been struck down as COVID-19 infects a series of high-profile sports stars.

Team Sunweb rider Matthews was one of several cyclists, including the entire Australian team Mitchelton-Scott, forced to pull out of the Giro d’Italia after positive COVID-19 tests.

“Just got news that I’ve returned a positive test for COVID-19,” Matthews said ahead of Stage 10 of the Giro.

“Disappointed that this is the way the Giro ends for me after a fantastic first week with the team.”

Sunweb said Matthews was in quarantine and “currently asymptomatic, feels healthy”.

The Mitchelton-Scott team said they had been notified of four positive results for “staff members” after tests conducted on Sunday.

“Upon receiving the results, Mitchelton-Scott immediately withdrew its team from the race and will focus on the health of its riders and staff and their safe movement to areas of quarantine,” the team said.

Johnson withdrew from the CJ Cup in Las Vegas after testing positive.

He had the test after experiencing symptoms of coronavirus ahead of Thursday’s opening round at Shadow Creek, the PGA Tour said.

The 36-year-old, whose last outing came at last month’s US Open, is now undergoing self-isolation.

“Obviously, I am very disappointed,” Johnson said. “I was really looking forward to competing this week, but will do everything I can to return as quickly as possible.

“I have already had a few calls with the Tour’s medical team and appreciate all the support and guidance they have given me.”

Meanwhile, Ronaldo was said to be “fine and sunbathing” after testing positive for coronavirus, which has ruled him out of Portugal’s team to play in a midweek Nations League fixture.

Ronaldo “is asymptomatic” and “will not play against Sweden” in Wednesday’s Nations League match, the Portuguese federation said.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner played in Portugal’s goalless Nations League draw against France in Paris on Sunday.

The federation added that the rest of the Portugal squad were “all negative” after tests on Tuesday morning, as was the France squad, according to the French Football Federation.

“We have respected all the health measures … and yet it happened,” Portugal coach Fernando Santos said. “We have been doing tests every day.”

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini said he had spoken to Ronaldo. “He’s fine and was sunbathing, he’ll be back when he’s ready,” he said.

The 35-year-old striker has scored 101 goals for Portugal and will be a huge absence for his team against Sweden as they aim to hold on to top spot in their group.

His contracting the disease is also a blow for Juventus, as the health protocol in force for Serie A says Ronaldo must self-isolate for 10 days and then record a negative test before he can resume playing.

That means Ronaldo will miss Juve’s Serie A match at Crotone on Saturday and their opening Champions League group stage game at Dynamo Kiev in a week’s time.

He also risks missing Juve’s Champions League clash with Barcelona on October 28, which was set to pit Ronaldo against his old rival Lionel Messi.

Slovakian football team coach Pavel Hapal, nine of his players and staff, Italian forward Stephan El Shaarawy and four members of the Salford Red Devils rugby league team are among other sports figures to test positive.

Additional reporting: AFP