FILE PHOTO: A field decorated in the shape of cycle is pictured, as preparations are made along the route of the second stage of this years Tour de France in the countryside, in the northwestern part of Zealand, Denmark, June 16, 2022. Picture taken with a drone. Ritzau Scanpix/Mads Claus Rasmussen via REUTERS
(Reuters) - French champion Florian Senechal has been included in Quick Step Alpha Vinyl's Tour de France squad after Tim Declercq tested positive for COVID-19, the Belgian outfit said on Tuesday.
"We are sorry to announce that Tim Declercq has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not take part in this year's Tour de France," the team said in a statement.
"He will be replaced for the race by French Champion
Florian Senechal."
Briton Mark Cavendish remains the most notable omission from the squad.
The Tour starts in Copenhagen on Friday.
(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
