In a bold statement during the Tour de France, UAE Team Emirates’ manager, Joxean Fernández Matxín, addressed the aggressive strategy employed by Team Jumbo-Visma, led by Jonas Vingegaard. While Matxín refrained from outright criticism, he suggested that Visma’s tactics may not have the intended effect on UAE’s star rider, Tadej Pogacar.
“We study and analyze the rivals, but we don’t give our opinion because we don’t have all the information about what they want. We have to focus on what we can do, control, and we will try to defend the lead,” Matxín stated, emphasizing his team’s commitment to their own strategy.
Visma’s Aggressive Approach
Visma’s approach during this year’s Tour has been marked by aggressive riding, particularly on flat stages. Matxín acknowledged their efforts, noting, “It’s true that Visma is riding aggressively this Tour de France. It’s always good that they are moving and trying. But it’s true that they’re doing it on flat stages.”
Despite Visma’s tactics, Pogacar has maintained a more conservative approach, choosing strategic moments to attack. His patience paid off during the Mur de Bretagne finish, where he secured his second stage victory. Matxín attributed this success to the strategic use of team resources, particularly Jhonatan Narváez.
“We have one of the best puncheurs at the Tour with Narváez. We knew he was going to be in front. If he wasn’t at the service of Pogacar, he would be a very tough rival on that finish,” Matxín explained.
Strategic Use of Team Resources
The UAE team’s strategy involves leveraging the strengths of its members to support Pogacar. Narváez played a crucial role, acting as a launchpad for Pogacar’s final sprint. “With him, we had the perfect weapon to launch Tadej, and what better way to take advantage of a rider who leaves you a victory on a plate 200 meters from the finish,” Matxín added.
This calculated approach highlights the team’s focus on maximizing their riders’ strengths while countering the aggressive tactics of their competitors.
Joao Almeida’s Resilience
Amidst the tactical battles, UAE Team Emirates is also dealing with the challenge of Joao Almeida’s injury. Almeida, riding with a fractured rib, has shown remarkable resilience. Matxín praised his determination, saying, “If we could choose to avoid the fall of Joao Almeida, who suffered quite a bit today, we would. But cycling is not mathematics in racing circumstances.”
“About Joao, there is a phrase in Italian that defines him: ‘Che non molla mai’, which means that he never gives up. He has a lot of courage, grit, he’s a cyclist who never gives up,” Matxín remarked.
Despite the setback, the team remains optimistic about Almeida’s recovery and potential performance in the mountain stages. “We will try to make him recover as much as possible these days. We’re just going to give him confidence and we’re not going to put any pressure on him,” Matxín concluded.
Looking Ahead
The Tour de France is a grueling test of endurance, strategy, and resilience. As UAE Team Emirates navigates the challenges posed by rivals like Team Jumbo-Visma, their focus remains on leveraging their strengths and supporting their key riders. The coming stages will undoubtedly test their strategies and the resilience of riders like Pogacar and Almeida.
As the race progresses, the cycling world will be watching closely to see how these strategic battles unfold. The outcome could very well hinge on the ability of teams to adapt and respond to the ever-changing dynamics of the Tour.
