Pogačar’s race schedule “influences rivals’ choices”: why UAE are staying secretive

According to Matxin, the secrecy is linked to the impact Pogačar’s presence has on any race he enters. “When we announce Tadej’s participation, the level of his rivals is usually lower,” the Spaniard told AS. “We’re aware that Tadej’s race schedule influences the choices of his competitors about whether to start.”

That is why it remains unclear, for now, whether Pogačar will add a second Grand Tour to his calendar this season. The Emirati squad also knows that combining the Tour, Vuelta and the World Championships demands a lot psychologically from their leader. “It often means you might be away from home for five months,” Matxin explained. “Psychologically, that is complicated because you also need to find mental rest.”

Matxin also addressed signs of fatigue Pogačar showed at points in 2025. “Sometimes Tadej returns to the hotel two hours later after a stage, which means he has two hours less to recover,” the Spaniard said, referring to podium ceremonies and post-stage media duties. According to UAE’s sporting director, it does not mean Pogačar has lost his ambition to keep winning races.

Alongside another dominant season from Pogačar, UAE also had another rider in 2025 who won heavily. Isaac del Toro crossed the line first no fewer than eighteen times last year, confirming his breakthrough at the highest level. Matxin believes the competition will have to be ready for an even stronger version of the Mexican in 2026. “We’re going to see an even better Del Toro this year,” Matxin said optimistically.

Del Toro exceeded expectations within the team in 2025, Matxin explained — especially because of what he did in the Giro d’Italia. “For a rider that young, it’s often difficult to stay consistent across a Grand Tour,” he said. “That he can already do that in only his second Grand Tour is proof that we’ve gained an important rider.” Matxin added that he is convinced Del Toro will keep progressing: “I’m sure he still has something extra.”

However, UAE do not want to compare the Mexican directly with Pogačar. “I never compare riders with each other,” Matxin said. “Del Toro will follow his own path, and he has to stay true to his own style.” That said, Del Toro is expected to get more leadership opportunities this season — as he is already doing at the UAE Tour. “He will lead the team this year at Tirreno-Adriatico, Itzulia Basque Country and the Critérium du Dauphiné, and he will also ride the UAE Tour,” Matxin confirmed. Expectations are therefore high for the Mexican, who is currently racing his team’s home event.