EF Pro Cycling boss Jonathan Vaughters feels that the team's letter by COVID-19 calling for an early cancellation of the Giro d'Italia fell on deaf ears and regrets that no further progress seems likely, despite the attempted cooperation.

On Thursday, Eurosport revealed that the US team, along with Giro organizer RCS Sport and its fellow teams, sent a letter to the UCI asking that the race be cancelled on Monday's second day of rest due to a "clearly dangerous bubble."

The UCI responded quickly to the letter, pointing to additional tests to be conducted on Thursday and Friday, with UCI President David Lapartiento writing, "With these measures, we trust in the cooperation of all towards our common goal of continuing the sport in the safest possible conditions." The results of these measures will be closely monitored for the continuation of the Games and for additional measures."

When interviewed by Cycling News, Vaughters expressed his frustration with the governing body, not for the first time.

"The answer doesn't address our proposal at all, and it doesn't address the proposal to end the race early at all. Neither does the UCI's response read as taking our concerns seriously."

Vaughters also discussed the motives behind the letter. Vaughters also discussed the motive behind the letter, stating.

"Our letter is in the spirit of working together to get the RCS and the teams to consider ending the race early, based on the 11 positives we got from the last rest day.

"The positives total about 2%, which does not mean that the bubble has burst. Our medical director said, 'The fact that there were 11 positives means it could be more widespread.

"That doesn't mean that our team will unilaterally withdraw, but we are asking all the other teams and the RCS to come up with an alternative race end date so that we can finish the race in an organized and honorable way, not in a chaotic way where two or three teams withdraw and others stay. I'm just asking you to think about it.

"We would rather have a more collaborative process. They may not accept the proposal, and that's fine, but we felt it was our duty to at least suggest it.

While the letter described the Giro bubble as "clearly compromised," Vaughters himself only stated that the race was taking place under unsafe conditions.

"I never said that. I'm saying there is a possibility [that it is unsafe]. We don't know the answer to that yet.

"They are doing more tests today and we will know what those tests are and whether the race is in danger or not. We don't really know."

Vaughters confirmed that if any rider or staff member tested positive, he would follow Jumbo-Visma's lead and withdraw his team from the race.

For now, however, they appear to be continuing to race.

"The racers want to race. 'Racers don't want to leave the race. Racers want to race. I don't think the riders feel they are in danger. I'm just trying to do what's best for the riders."

"I don't think anyone wants to leave the Giro early by any stretch of the imagination. We just want to make sure that at least other options are being considered. Not only for the welfare of the riders, but also for everyone in the race, the towns we pass through and the hotels we stay in. The broader public health is being considered."

To the RCS, the UCI, all involved, and the teams,

thank you for your efforts to produce a safe and attractive Giro d'Italia. We have enjoyed teams in the race so far.

Unfortunately, we have had the following news:

- 11 positive tests have been reported in 4 teams within the "bubble" of the peloton

- estimated positive rate of ~2%, a protected population, asymptomatic population, very low positive rate

- among teams within the peloton outbreaks

- Clearly dangerous bubbles and the expected time lag between exposure and symptoms/positive reactions would lead to further disease outbreaks. While this is not an absolute, the precautionary principle recommends acting responsibly and taking a conservative approach

. We recommend that the Giro be stopped early for the health and safety of the riders, staff, and the community in which the race takes place. We believe it is in the best interest of the Giro and the UCI World Tour that this be done in a systematic and holistic manner, rather than a disorderly team-by-team withdrawal; a second day of rest seems like a natural break to declare the 2020 Giro d'Italia a victory and a success. On the other hand, we support the following ideas:

- Conduct at least two cobid tests before the rest day and accelerate the end of the race if additional tests are positive before the rest day

- Properly seal the team paddocks at both the start and finish areas and at hotels to enhance team safety.

While we are willing to stay in the race until the official early finish, if anyone on our team tests positive, or if any rider or staff member is uncomfortable with the situation, they will leave the race at that point.

Thank you all for your concern and continued attention to this situation.