After more coronavirus ruckus in the Vuelta a Burgos, UAE Team Emuriates has removed three riders from the race before the second stage.

The team revealed that Sebastian Morano, Cristian Muñoz, and Camilo Ardila completed the first stage on Tuesday but did not start Wednesday in Castrojeriz.

The Colombian trio all had recent contact with an as yet unnamed person who tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.

"The Colombian trio on Saturday had recent contact with a person (outside the race) who tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday. In accordance with team and UCI protocol, the three riders were quarantined and sent home.

The team added that all three riders were tested twice before the start of the race on Tuesday, in accordance with UCI health protocols. All test results were negative.

The absence of Morano, Muñoz, and Ardila leaves UAE Team Emirates with four riders, two of whom have already developed COVID-19.

Fernando Gaviria contracted the disease during a tour of the UAE in late February and spent a month in isolation. The other two members of UAE Team Emirates in Burgos are GC leader Fabio Al and Spaniard David de la Cruz.

"It was something that had to be done," said UAE sports director Jocsen Fernandez "Matosin" when interviewed by Cycling News at the start of the second stage.

"As a team, we have been through everything that happened this spring (UA Tour-editorial) and we know how important this issue is. When the players learned that a player they had been in contact with had tested positive, they immediately informed management.

He confirmed that all three had tested double negative for COVID-19 in pre-race testing, but said, "There is no sense in taking unnecessary risks."

"Obviously it's a blow, but under the circumstances, health has to come first.

The news follows the withdrawal of two Israel Startup Nation riders from the competition for similar reasons before the opening stage.

Itamar Einhorn withdrew the night before the race due to recent contact with COVID positive Omer Goldstein, and Alex Dowsett also withdrew the morning of the first stage due to contact with Einhorn. Both riders were tested on Monday and the results were negative.

Israel's Startup Nation was praised by some who thought it was a bold, risk-averse move, but criticized by others who thought it should have pulled the entire team.

The case of the UAE is likely to spark further debate, but above all, the peloton is shuddering at the idea of holding its breath for the return of additional test results.