UAE know better than anyone how quickly a race can unravel. They lost key domestique João Almeida to a crash in the first week—a reminder of how unexpected setbacks can strike. “We weren’t that good before, and we’re not that bad now,” Matxín reflected. “These things happen in racing. The team we’ve got here is spectacular. But if Pavel [Sivakov] falls ill, we have to weather those difficult moments—just like we did with Almeida. Even so, the team is united and strong. I really value their commitment. They’re all incredibly honest, and that’s what I appreciate the most.”Matxín also singled out Jhonatan Narváez for special praise. The Ecuadorian has been one of the standout performers in support of Pogačar—instrumental in the Muro de Bretagne stage win, and again delivering a powerful lead-out on the opening slopes of Hautacam. “Jonny is one of the best in the world when it comes to five-minute power efforts. But here, he’s shown he can do more than that—whether with Tadej or Mathieu van der Poel. He was crucial in both Hautacam and Muro de Bretagne. We brought him in for exactly that kind of job, but on Saturday he also adapted brilliantly to longer efforts.”
So far, things couldn’t be going much better for UAE. Aside from Almeida’s early exit, the team has racked up five stage victories—four from Pogacar and a stunning solo triumph from Tim Wellens on Stage 15, after attacking from the breakaway with 43 km to go.
With the yellow jersey firmly in their grasp, the Emirati outfit may not be done yet. As the final week begins, three or four more stage wins aren’t out of the question.