After tests confirmed a positive case of COVID-19, the Jumbo-Visma team closed its training camp in Alicante, Spain.

"The doomsday scenario has become a reality," performance manager Mathieu Heyboer said in a statement.

"This is, of course, the scenario we have considered. We had already decided how we would act in such a situation and had taken all possible measures. Disbanding is the best option to prevent further proliferation. It is a logistical task to accomplish this."

According to the team, those in close contact with infected individuals have been quarantined according to guidelines. Other players and staff will receive minimal support from the team and will return home or stay in Spain on an individual basis.

Jumbo-Visma explained that everyone in the team's bubble is tested daily and that they were most likely infected at home before going to camp. Team manager Richard Plagge was unable to attend the camp because of close contact with a COVID-19 infected person, and Tom Dumoulin was also absent because he had just received a booster vaccine.

The players had their first training ride on Tuesday and then attended a team presentation and conducted interviews with the media following careful guidelines. The team indicated that close contact was limited, as everyone trained and ate in separate groups as a precautionary measure.

"The health of the players and staff is our main concern. That is why we are suspending training camp," said team director Merijn Zeeman.

"It confirms once again that it is very difficult to carry out such activities at such a time of the year. We will do everything possible to ensure that the sporting part of the team continues to prepare for the season to the extent possible for the riders. Unfortunately, this is the only right choice."

According to the Dutch Wielerflits website, which broadcast the team presentation live, the COVID-19 positive was discovered in a test before breakfast. After the meeting, several players decided to return home promptly to avoid the risk of infection and quarantine in Spain. Robert Gesink, Sepp Kuss, and Tobias Foss left immediately to return to Andorra, while Steven Kruijswijk and Primosz Roglic drove to Monaco.

"It's a long trip, but we can train well in Monaco. I don't want to risk getting infected at the team hotel. I'm going home as a precaution," Kruijswijk said before his departure.