Bruyneel fears for UAE and Ayuso after Roglic and Red Bull’s statement: "With Pogacar, they're a well-oiled machine"

Speaking on The Move podcast, the former team director remarked that UAE looked unrecognizable on day one. “UAE wasn’t organized, I never saw them riding as a unit. I don’t know if it’s due to positioning Ayuso, but when Pogacar is with them, they’re a well-oiled machine. Now they were scattered all over the peloton, which is a concern.”

The Giro still has plenty of stages similar to day one, though Bruyneel sees less of a threat in the high mountains. “I’m not saying it’ll happen again, because on tougher terrain their strength will naturally bring them to the front. But Red Bull looked solid as a team, I was happy to see that.”

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Roglic’s team spent the entire day riding together and staying well-positioned at the front. “The contrast was striking. Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe was very organized, and it looked like Primoz had really good legs. He was very alert, especially for a first stage. At times, he might have even been a little too far forward,” observers noted.

Speaking to Slovenian media after the stage, Roglic also reacted positively to the Giro opener. While Ayuso hit the deck on day one, the Slovenian star from Red Bull had a smooth and solid ride with his German squad. “It was a good day, despite the slippery roads and hot temperatures. The team performed well, compliments to everyone.”