And with Matxin’s leadership, the potential for Pogacar and Ayuso to race together — and win together — has never been greater.
In a bold statement that’s sure to turn heads, UAE Team Emirates’ head coach, Joxean Fernández Matxin, has firmly
rejected the growing narrative that Tadej Pogacar and Juan Ayuso cannot race together. Speaking in a recent
interview, Matxin slammed those suggesting the two riders couldn’t coexist within the same team, calling such
claims “far removed from reality.”
The conversation surrounding the potential rivalry between Pogacar, the two-time Tour de France winner, and
Ayuso, the young Spanish prodigy, has been one of the most hotly debated topics in the cycling world. With both
riders possessing Grand Tour ambitions and immense talent, some have speculated that their individual goals could
create friction, especially when it comes to the highest-profile races like the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta
a España.
However, Matxin was quick to dismiss such concerns. “The people who say that they cannot race together are far
removed from reality,” he declared, addressing critics who have suggested that the team’s leadership hierarchy
would be unsustainable with both Pogacar and Ayuso vying for top billing in the same season.
The Dynamic Duo: A New Era for UAE Team Emirates.
Tadej Pogacar and Juan Ayuso represent two of the most exciting and promising talents in cycling today. Pogacar, at
just 25, is already considered one of the sport’s greatest riders, with his aggressive style, tactical intelligence, and
consistency across multiple Grand Tours. Ayuso, 21, has rapidly ascended the ranks, winning over fans and experts
alike with his maturity, climbing ability, and poise on the biggest stages of racing.
While the two riders have shared the UAE Team Emirates jersey for a few seasons now, the question of whether they
could co-exist in the same leadership role at the grandest events has been a matter of concern for some pundits. Both
have demonstrated they can win the biggest races — Pogacar with his back-to-back Tour victories and Ayuso with his
stunning podium finish in the 2023 Vuelta a España.
For UAE, however, the dual leadership strategy is not just possible — it is essential. Matxin has emphasized that the
team’s goal is not to pick one leader over the other but to provide the necessary support for both riders to thrive.
With different skill sets and strengths — Pogacar as a versatile all-rounder and Ayuso as a climbing specialist with
explosive power — the team can afford to leverage both riders’ unique capabilities, especially in multi-week races.
The Tactical Advantages.
Matxin’s remarks underscore a broader tactical vision for UAE Team Emirates, which has emerged as one of the
most formidable squads in professional cycling. The advantage of having two high-caliber riders capable of
competing for Grand Tour titles cannot be overstated. With both Pogacar and Ayuso in top form, the team can
execute a strategy that keeps opponents guessing.
In Grand Tours, where the competition is often a game of attrition, having two leaders offers a significant advantage.
Pogacar, known for his versatility and ability to thrive in both time trials and mountainous stages, can be
complemented by Ayuso’s ability to excel in high-altitude terrain. With the support of a strong team and multiple
options at the front, UAE could dominate key stages, force rivals into defensive positions, and, most importantly,
maximize their chances of securing multiple podium spots.
Rather than seeing Pogacar and Ayuso as competitors for the top position, Matxin envisions a partnership where
both riders can push each other to new heights. “They will help each other,” he explained, pointing out that healthy
internal competition will drive both riders to perform at their absolute best.
Moving Beyond the Narrative of Rivalry.
For Matxin, the issue isn’t about managing egos or creating conflict — it’s about building a team where mutual
respect and collective ambition can thrive. Both Pogacar and Ayuso have demonstrated a level of maturity beyond
their years. While Pogacar is undoubtedly the more experienced of the two, Ayuso’s rapid rise has made it clear that
he is not intimidated by his more established teammate.
Rather than being a source of friction, Matxin sees this dynamic as an opportunity to create a winning formula for
UAE Team Emirates. “Both are intelligent, both are mature,” he explained, noting that the riders’ ability to adapt and
communicate will be key to their success. This mindset allows the team to look beyond simplistic narratives of rivalry
and focus on what truly matters: achieving success together.
The future of UAE Team Emirates looks increasingly bright with Pogacar and Ayuso at the helm. As both riders
continue to develop, it’s clear that the team is aiming not just for individual victories, but for dominance on the world
stage.
