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Australia’s track cycling team has been caught up in the coronavirus crisis with an Adelaide-based team staffer contracting the disease after travelling to Berlin for last month’s world championships.
The male staff member, who has not been named, tested positive to COVID-19 on Monday, March 16, after returning to Adelaide on the evening of March 4.
The world championships were held in Berlin from February 26 to March 1 and Cycling Australia says the staff member had “minimal contact” with fellow staff and athletes when he returned, and no in-person contact with staff or athletes after experiencing symptoms.
“He is currently receiving appropriate medical care,” CA said in a statement.
The Adelaide SuperDrome offices and training areas at Gepps Cross have been closed for cleaning with all Australian cycling team staff and athletes told to work from home. Riders continue to train as per normal on the roads.
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“The SuperDrome has been cleaned and disinfected in preparation for return to work and training over the weekend, and when the team return a social distancing policy will be implemented to support ongoing risk management,” CA said.
The Australian track team for the Tokyo Olympics was to be named at the SuperDrome today but that announcement has been pushed back to tomorrow and will be issued via a digital media release.
CA’s high performance director Simon Jones said “the health and wellbeing of our athletes, staff and broader public is our highest priority”.
“And that’s why we have responded quickly and thoroughly in this situation,” Jones said.
“Our thoughts are with our team member as he continues to receive treatment and medical advice.
“Senior staff, including our team doctor, remain in regular communication to manage this situation and provide all the support required to athletes and staff in what are difficult times for all people all around the world.”
