UAE-Team Emirates Announces Vuelta Squad: No Ayuso or Pogacar, All Eyes on Yates and Almeida.
UAE-Team Emirates has unveiled its roster for the upcoming Vuelta a España, and the announcement comes with a notable absence: neither Juan Ayuso nor Tadej Pogačar will be competing in the Spanish Grand Tour. Instead, the team is placing its faith in riders Adam Yates and João Almeida to lead their campaign. The decision to leave out Ayuso and Pogačar has surprised many fans and analysts. Ayuso, who has been a promising young talent, and Pogačar, the reigning Tour de France champion, were expected to be key contenders. The reasons behind their omission have not been fully disclosed, but speculation points to strategic decisions and team dynamics.
British rider Adam Yates is set to spearhead UAE-Team Emirates’ efforts in the Vuelta. Yates, known for his climbing abilities and consistent performances in stage races, will be looking to build on his recent successes and make a significant impact in Spain. His experience and form make him a strong contender for the general classification.
Portuguese rider João Almeida is another focal point for the team. Almeida, renowned for his time-trial skills and climbing prowess, is poised to take on a leadership role. His previous performances in Grand Tours have demonstrated his capability to compete at the highest level, and UAE-Team Emirates will be counting on him to deliver a standout performance.
UAE-Team Emirates’ team manager, Mauro Gianetti, commented on the squad selection: “We’ve carefully evaluated our options and believe that Adam and João are in excellent form to lead our team in the Vuelta. While we will miss Juan and Tadej, this is an opportunity for other riders to step up and showcase their abilities. We have full confidence in our selected riders and their ability to compete strongly.”
