The overall leader of the 2026 Tour de France, Tadej Pogacar, is confirmed to be in prime physical condition ahead of the crucial stage 19 to Alpe d'Huez on Friday (24/7). This good news comes as a breath of fresh air for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, which is currently facing fatigue and health issues affecting several of their key riders.
The fitness crisis within the team became clear after Brandon McNulty was forced to withdraw during stage 18. Meanwhile, two other key riders, Adam Yates and Tim Wellens, have reportedly suffered a decline in performance due to physical issues. Nevertheless, this situation has not shaken the focus of Pogacar, who remains calm as he defends the yellow jersey from the start line in Gap.
Team management moved quickly to ease public concern regarding the squad's condition. UAE Team Emirates-XRG Sports Director, Joxean Fernandez Matxin, admitted that his team is not in ideal condition, but he emphasized that the situation remains fully under control. Matxin also added that Adam Yates' condition is gradually improving and he is ready to provide the best support on the road.
Echoing Matxin, Team Manager Mauro Gianetti confirmed that Pogacar and young talent Isaac del Toro have escaped the illness that struck Yates. Although losing McNulty is a significant tactical loss for the team's strategy, Gianetti is optimistic that the squad's collective motivation remains burning hot to face the remaining three decisive and demanding stages.
The weakness of the UAE Team Emirates-XRG squad is predicted to be exploited by rivals to launch aggressive attacks on the legendary Alpe d'Huez climb. In response to the potential pressure, Pogacar's camp asserted their readiness to fight to the end, relying on pure strength and physical endurance in the final phases of the world's most prestigious race.
