UAE-Team Emirates Announces Vuelta Squad: No Ayuso and Pogačar, All Eyes on Yates and Almeida
As the cycling world turns its attention to the final Grand Tour of the year, the Vuelta a España, UAE-Team Emirates has made a significant announcement that is sure to shape the dynamics of the race. In a surprising move, the team has decided to field a squad without two of its most prominent riders—Juan Ayuso and Tadej Pogačar. Instead, the team will place its hopes on Adam Yates and João Almeida, two talented riders who have already proven their capabilities in previous Grand Tours. This decision marks a strategic shift for UAE-Team Emirates and sets the stage for an intriguing battle in the mountains of Spain.
The decision to leave Juan Ayuso and Tadej Pogačar out of the Vuelta a España squad has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. Both riders have been in exceptional form this season, with Ayuso emerging as one of the most promising young talents in the peloton and Pogačar continuing to dominate in the world’s biggest races. However, UAE-Team Emirates’ choice to rest these riders highlights the team’s long-term strategy and their commitment to managing the physical and mental demands placed on their top athletes.
Juan Ayuso at just 21 years old, has had a breakthrough season that included a podium finish at the Vuelta a España in 2022. The young Spaniard has shown immense potential, particularly in the mountains, where his climbing abilities have drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s greatest riders. Despite his youth, Ayuso has quickly become one of UAE-Team Emirates’ key riders, and his absence from the Vuelta squad is notable. The decision likely stems from a desire to manage his development carefully, ensuring that he does not face burnout from the rigors of consecutive Grand Tours. Ayuso is a rider with a bright future ahead, and the team’s cautious approach could pay dividends in the coming years as he continues to mature.
Tadej Pogačar is another significant omission from the Vuelta squad. The Slovenian superstar has had an extraordinary season, highlighted by his victories at the Tour of Flanders, Amstel Gold Race, and La Flèche Wallonne, as well as a strong showing at the Tour de France, where he finished second overall. Pogačar’s ability to compete at the highest level across different terrains makes him one of the most versatile riders in the peloton. However, after a grueling season that saw him compete in multiple high-profile races, the decision to rest him for the Vuelta is understandable. UAE-Team Emirates is likely preserving Pogačar’s energy for future challenges, ensuring that he remains at the peak of his powers for the 2024 season and beyond.
With Ayuso and Pogačar out of the picture, the responsibility of leading UAE-Team Emirates at the Vuelta a España falls to Adam Yates and João Almeida Both riders are seasoned competitors with a wealth of experience in Grand Tours, and their inclusion in the squad signals the team’s intent to challenge for the overall classification.
a British rider known for his climbing prowess and aggressive racing style, has been a consistent performer in Grand Tours throughout his career. Yates joined UAE-Team Emirates in 2023 and quickly established himself as a key asset to the team. His victory at the 2023 Tour de Romandie and strong performances in the Tour de France, where he finished third overall, demonstrate his ability to compete with the best in the world. Yates is particularly adept at handling the steep climbs that are characteristic of the Vuelta, and his experience will be invaluable as he leads the team in Spain.
Yates’ strength lies in his consistency, and he has shown time and again that he can perform at a high level over the course of a three-week race. His ability to stay with the top contenders in the mountains and his proficiency in time trials make him a serious threat for the overall classification. The Vuelta’s challenging route, with its numerous summit finishes and high-altitude stages, plays to Yates’ strengths, and he will be looking to capitalize on these opportunities to secure a podium finish or even the overall victory.
the Portuguese rider who has been with UAE-Team Emirates since 2021, is another strong contender for the Vuelta. Almeida has consistently impressed with his resilience and tactical acumen in Grand Tours, most notably at the Giro d’Italia, where he has finished in the top five on multiple occasions. Almeida’s ability to ride a steady tempo in the mountains and his strength in time trials make him a valuable asset to the team’s Vuelta ambitions.
Almeida is known for his ability to limit his losses on the most challenging climbs and then make up time in the time trials and less severe mountain stages. This consistency has made him a reliable leader in Grand Tours, and he will be looking to improve on his past performances at the Vuelta. While he may not have the explosive climbing ability of some of his rivals, Almeida’s strength lies in his endurance and ability to perform consistently across all types of stages.
While Yates and Almeida will be the team’s leaders, they will be supported by a strong cast of riders who will play crucial roles in the race. UAE-Team Emirates has assembled a well-rounded squad that includes climbers, domestiques, and all-rounders, all of whom will be vital in supporting the team’s ambitions.
the experienced Polish climber, will be one of the key support riders for Yates and Almeida. Majka has a wealth of experience in the Vuelta a España, having won the mountains classification twice and secured multiple stage wins in the past. His role will be to help Yates and Almeida in the mountains, setting a strong pace and providing crucial support on the steep ascents. Majka’s experience and climbing ability make him a valuable lieutenant in the high mountains, where the Vuelta will likely be decided.
a versatile Spanish rider, will also be a key figure in the team’s Vuelta campaign. Soler, who has previously ridden as a leader in Grand Tours, is capable of both supporting his teammates and taking his chances on selected stages. His aggressive racing style and ability to perform well in both hilly and mountainous stages make him a valuable asset. Soler could also be a potential stage winner, particularly on the rolling stages that suit his characteristics.
the Australian climber who has shown flashes of brilliance in recent races, will add further depth to the team’s climbing contingent. Vine’s ability to ride in the high mountains and his aggressive approach to racing make him a rider to watch in the Vuelta. He has the potential to take on a support role for Yates and Almeida while also being given the freedom to chase stage wins when the opportunity arises.
the American all-rounder, will bring his versatility and strength in time trials to the team. McNulty has proven himself as a valuable domestique and a potential leader in his own right, and his ability to perform well in a variety of terrains will be crucial in supporting the team’s overall ambitions. McNulty’s role will likely involve providing support on the flatter stages, protecting the team’s leaders, and contributing to the team time trial effort.
With the Vuelta a España’s challenging route, featuring numerous summit finishes, high-altitude stages, and unpredictable weather conditions, the race is set to be a stern test for UAE-Team Emirates and its leaders. The team’s decision to focus on Yates and Almeida signals a clear strategy: to challenge for the overall classification while also targeting stage wins.
Yates and Almeida will need to be at their best to contend with a field that is expected to include some of the world’s top climbers and Grand Tour specialists. The competition will be fierce, with riders such as Jonas Vingegaard, Richard Carapaz, and Enric Mas expected to be among the favorites. However, with a strong team behind them and a well-thought-out strategy, Yates and Almeida have the potential to deliver a standout performance.
For UAE-Team Emirates, the Vuelta a España represents an opportunity to showcase their depth and versatility as a team. The absence of Ayuso and Pogačar may be seen as a setback by some, but it also opens the door for other riders to step up and make their mark on one of cycling’s biggest stages. The team’s ability to adapt to different race situations and support their leaders in the mountains will be key to their success.
The announcement of UAE-Team Emirates’ Vuelta a España squad without Juan Ayuso and Tadej Pogačar marks a new chapter for the team as they look to build on their successes and continue their growth as one of the premier teams in professional cycling. With Adam Yates and João Almeida leading the charge, supported by a strong and experienced squad, the team is well-positioned to challenge for the overall victory and make a significant impact on the race.
As the Vuelta approaches, all eyes will be on UAE-Team Emirates to see how they navigate the challenges of the race and whether Yates and Almeida can rise to the occasion. The Vuelta a España is known for its unpredictability and drama, and with the team’s mix of experience, talent, and ambition, they are sure to be one of the key players in the race. Whether they can secure a podium finish, a stage win, or even the overall victory, UAE-Team Emirates is set to be a force to be reckoned with in
