UAE Team Emirates Manager Confident in Jonas Vingegaard's Tour de France Participation

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20/06/2024 18h19

Team manager Joxean Fernández Matxin of UAE Team Emirates has expressed his support for the inclusion of double Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard from Visma-Lease A Bike in this year's race. Matxin stated that even if Vingegaard only had a 10% chance of winning, he would have made the same decision.

Vingegaard's participation in the Tour de France had been uncertain after sustaining a severe injury in a mass crash during the Itzulia Basque Country race in April. However, he has been focused on his recovery and has now been confirmed to compete alongside Wout van Aert, Tadej Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel, and Primož Roglič in the prestigious event.

Matxin emphasized that Vingegaard, who has won the Tour de France for the last two years, deserved the opportunity to vie for victory once again. He also expressed confidence in the Belgian racer, despite his extended break from racing. Matxin suggested that this period of inactivity may raise some doubts about Vingegaard's form in the early stages of the Tour, but added that it is normal for a rider to gauge their level compared to their rivals.

The addition of Vingegaard to the already impressive line-up is expected to make the Tour de France even more captivating. Matxin affirmed that the entire UAE Team Emirates roster, which includes Giro d'Italia winner Pogačar, is crucial to their collective success in the upcoming race.

As for Pogačar's quest for a Giro-Tour double, Matxin emphasized the team's focus on their own strategy and performance, rather than fixating on their rivals. He stated that their main priority is to ensure Pogačar is in peak condition and fully prepared for the demanding race.

The Tour de France, scheduled to take place in the coming months, is highly anticipated as it brings together some of the biggest names in cycling. With Vingegaard's return to the race, fans can look forward to an even more thrilling competition.

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