The 2023 Tour de France is fast approaching, and the question on everyone's mind is: who will support Tadej Pogačar and the UAE Team Emirates-XRG? With a series of recent setbacks and injuries, the team's lineup is far from certain, and the pressure is on to make the right choices.
The Missing Pieces
The first piece of bad news is that João Almeida and Marc Soler will not be joining Pogačar at the Tour. Almeida, after a miserable spring, admitted he won't be ready, and Soler, a key lieutenant, suffered a pelvic fracture in the Giro d'Italia, raising doubts about his participation in the Vuelta a España as well.
This leaves a gaping hole in the team's strategy, as Soler has been a constant presence in Pogačar's Tour victories. The situation is further complicated by the concussions suffered by Adam Yates and Jay Vine, both of whom crashed at the Giro, leaving their Tour participation in doubt.
The Uncertain Lineup
With so many question marks, the team's director, Andrej Hauptman, is playing a careful game. He confirms that Isaac del Toro, Tim Wellens, and Florian Vermeersch are in the running, with Brandon McNulty also on the provisional list. However, the final decision will be made at the last moment, as the team waits to see how the recovery of some riders progresses.
Hauptman's statement suggests that the team is taking a cautious approach, and it's clear that the final lineup will be a mix of form, fitness, and strategic considerations. The director is confident that the team will arrive at the Tour with a strong squad, but the recent injuries and setbacks have undoubtedly added an element of uncertainty.
The Competition
As for the competition, Hauptman acknowledges the threat posed by Jonas Vingegaard and the Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe team, who have two riders capable of challenging for a place near the top of the general classification. The director also highlights the presence of other strong leaders from various teams, indicating a highly competitive field.
The Final Word
In the end, the success of Pogačar and the UAE Team Emirates-XRG at the Tour de France will depend on the team's ability to navigate these challenges and make the right choices. With the race just around the corner, the pressure is on, and the team's strategy will be tested to the limit.
