Tadej Pogacar is set to go all out for the Giro-Tour double in 2024. This was confirmed by UAE Team Emirates' sports director Joxean Fernandez Matxin to IDLProCycling.com and other media outlets. The Slovenian, who finished second in the recent editions of the Tour de France, seemed to be leaning towards focusing entirely on the French grand tour until Sunday's confirmation that he would definitely be making his debut in the Giro. Now, it's also clear that the Tour will once again be a top priority. Supporting him will be an exceptionally strong team heading to France.
In the Tour de France, Pogacar will be backed by a formidable group of top riders. Adam Yates, for instance, will be one of his key lieutenants in the pursuit of another yellow jersey. The Brit himself finished third in the latest edition. Joining them will be Portuguese João Almeida, the third-place finisher in the last Giro, and Spanish talent Juan Ayuso, who has already made it to the podium in his home tour. The lineup is rounded out by strong climbers Marc Soler and Pavel Sivakov, Belgian Tim Wellens, and German road captain Nils Politt.
On paper, the UAE Team lineup could be one of the strongest Tour de France squads in history, featuring at least four riders who could lead other teams in pursuit of a podium finish in a grand tour. Following the departure of Primoz Roglic, the retirement of Nathan Van Hooydonck, and Wout van Aert's participation in the Giro, the Emirates-based team seems to be focusing on assembling the strongest possible Tour team to dethrone Jumbo-Visma in 2024.
But first, there's the Giro. In this race, Pogacar will make his debut and naturally appear as the top favorite. His teammates for this event were also mentioned by Matxin. In Italy, the Slovenian will be supported by Jay Vine, Rafal Majka, and Felix Grossschartner as climbers. Additionally, Mikkel Bjerg, Nelson Oliveira, Benjamin Novak, and Sebastian Molano will assist Pogacar on flat stages, with Molano also taking part in sprints. So, it’s a formidable team as well...