UAE admits Tour route "may suit Vingegaard more" but also "Remco can improve every day"

“He is constantly improving, and I don't know where his limits are, but given his results, attitude, and that of his teammates, his performances are amazing and convincing,” Joxean Fernandez Matxin tells Daniel Benson. “He's a super leader. He's not just a champion; he's a real leader. He pays attention to his teammates and the entire staff, which helps him be his leader and champion.”

Matxin does not want to give any figures or wattages, but the Spaniard does compare it to last year's Giro. “I think it was easier then. Jonas and Remco were there in the Dauphiné. I don't know the metrics of the opponents, but I think the overall level in the Dauphiné was higher than in last year's Giro,” says the team boss, explaining Pogacar's form.

“If you compare it to last year’s Giro or Tour, it’s different now,” the Spaniard continued. “Last year, the preparation for the Giro was very different because he didn’t want to use too much energy for the Tour. The focus and goals were different.” Nevertheless, Matxin does not know whether Pogacar will improve much more ahead of the Tour de France. “That's something for the performance team. But in terms of Tadej's rest, training camps, equipment, and concentration, he is experiencing one of the best moments of his career. He also has a great team around him, and all the riders believe in him.”

According to the Spaniard, there is no room for doubt. “He is the best rider in the world. I think some riders can still improve in the coming weeks, but Tadej always tries to win, and the Dauphiné was a race that suited him perfectly. He is the best rider in the world and wins ahead of Jonas and Remco, so I believe Tadej is on the right track for the Tour.”

Nevertheless, the Emirates team is cautious about La Grande Boucle, mainly because of the competition from Denmark. "As for Jonas, I analyze the other riders, not just him, and I study them and their tactics. Perhaps the Tour is a race that better suits his racing style. The Giro, Liège, Flanders, races on the cobbles, and the Dauphiné are naturally perfect for Tadej. Still, the Tour is a different race, and the first nine days are very complex this year," Matxin warns of the tricky opening week.

“The peloton will be super nervous at the start,” says the Spaniard, who is also looking beyond Vingegaard. “The longer climbs and the heat make Jonas the main rival for the Tour, but Remco can also improve every day. However, we are not losing sight of the other riders. There is no room for arrogance. We know that the Tour is a super tough race to win.”