The UAE Team Emirates' injury woes have cast a shadow over their Tour de France preparations, leaving fans and pundits alike wondering who will support Tadej Pogacar in this year's race. With a growing list of absentees, the team's original plans are in flux, and the search for a reliable support crew is on. The question on everyone's mind is: Who will be the three additional riders joining Pogacar, Isaac del Toro, Tim Wellens, Marc Soler, and Florian Vermeersch in the starting line-up?
The team's December media day was a grand affair, with big names like Pogacar, del Toro, and João Almeida revealing their schedules to a packed conference room. But it was the lounge area where the real action unfolded, with team figures sharing their plans for the season. The initial Giro d'Italia lineup, announced by CyclingUpToDate, included seven riders: Almeida, António Morgado, Adam Yates, Jay Vine, Jan Christen, Igor Arrieta, and Vermeersch. However, only five made it to the start line, with Almeida and Vermeersch falling victim to health issues and form concerns, respectively.
The Tour de France lineup, initially kept under wraps, has now taken shape, but with a few surprises. Vermeersch, a classics specialist, has been moved up from the Giro to the Tour, a move that speaks to his versatility and power on the bike. This decision, perhaps at Pogacar's request, adds an intriguing dynamic to the team's strategy. The eighth rider, Jhonatan Narváez, was a mystery, with Matxín keeping his cards close to his chest. Narváez, unfortunately, won't be racing the Tour, and the remaining spots went to Mikkel Bjerg and Marc Soler, the latter of whom suffered a fractured pelvis at the Giro d'Italia's mass crash.
The crash also impacted Adam Yates, who suffered ear lacerations and a concussion, raising doubts about his availability for the Tour. The team's original plan for the Tour de France was clear: Pogacar, del Toro, Tim Wellens, Soler, Yates, and two more riders. However, with almost half the team injured, plans have changed, and flexibility is key. Pavel Sivakov and Nils Politt, part of the 2025 lineup, were considered, but Sivakov's likely departure to the Decathlon CMA CGM Team doesn't help his case. The team's search for a climber to support Pogacar and del Toro in the mountains has led to two potential candidates: Yates and Almeida.
However, with both riders injured, Felix Grosschartner emerges as a surprise contender. The Austrian, who wasn't named in any Grand Tour lineup in 2026 despite his impressive performances, could be the team's secret weapon. His reliability and experience make him a strong candidate, and his presence could be a game-changer for the team. The final three riders will be chosen with an eye on versatility, power, and reliability, as the team navigates the challenges of the Tour de France with a depleted squad. The question remains: Who will step up and support Pogacar in this year's race?
In my opinion, the team's decision to move Vermeersch up from the Giro to the Tour is a bold move that speaks to their strategic thinking. It's a risk, but one that could pay off, especially with Vermeersch's versatility and power. The team's injury woes have forced them to think on their feet, and their ability to adapt will be a key factor in their success. As for the final three riders, I believe the team will go with a mix of experience and youth, with Grosschartner, Politt, and a surprise climber rounding out the lineup. The Tour de France is a grueling race, and the UAE Team Emirates will need all the help they can get to support Pogacar's quest for victory.
