BURY cyclist Adam Yates has been tested for the coronavirus after being declared the winner of the cancelled UAE Tour.

The final two stages of the race were due to take place on Friday and Saturday but the race was abandoned after two members of staff on the race were taken ill.

All riders and staff were confined to their rooms at the Crowne Royal Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island.

Yates was leading the race at the time of the abandonment and has been awarded victory.

Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome and star sprinter Mark Cavendish are among the other riders involved.

A statement from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council said: "The Abu Dhabi Sports Council has cancelled the remaining rounds of the 2020 UAE Tour after two Italian participants had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19.

"The decision has been taken to ensure protection of all the race's participants as safety comes at the top of all priorities.

"In the meantime, the Ministry of Health and Prevention said that all the race's participants, administrative staff and organisers will be examined through the continuous periodic screening being conducted, and all needed procedures, including quarantine measures, will be taken to ensure viral suppression and curb the spread of its outbreak in coordination with all health and other authorities concerned in the country.

"The ministry added that all the necessary precautions to ensure highly efficient preventive measures are being taken, including check-ups and observation of people in contact with patients, to guarantee protection of the society and its safety and preserve public trust."

Mitchelton-Scott rider Yates held the leader’s red jersey following Thursday's stage five to Jebel Hafeet, the final results taken at that point.

The 27-year-old had a one minute and one second advantage over Tadej Pogačar with Alexey Lutsenko in third.