“If the opportunity to put Isaac on the podium presents itself, then why not?”: Mauro Gianetti plots UAE's multi-rider strategy while guarding Pogacar's yellow jersey
CyclingMonday, 20 July 2026 at 06:00
The withdrawal of Jonas Vingegaard changed the complexion of the Tour de France overnight, and UAE Team Emirates - XRG quickly adapted its strategy on stage 15. While Remco Evenepoel claimed the stage victory, Tadej Pogacar sacrificed his own chances in the finale to help Isaac Del Toro move up the general classification and fight for the stage win, a tactical decision that delighted UAE manager Mauro Gianetti.
Gianetti praises Pogacar’s selfless ride
UAE enjoyed another strong day in the mountains, with Pogacar setting the pace on the final climb before helping Del Toro regain the white jersey and strengthen his position in the overall standings.
Speaking after the stage, Gianetti was full of praise for both his riders while also acknowledging Evenepoel's impressive victory. “I haven't spoken with the riders yet, but I think Remco more than deserved this stage,” Gianetti said. “He did his job, produced a great sprint and fully deserved the victory.”
Read also
The Swiss manager explained that Pogacar's role changed once it became clear Vingegaard was no longer in contention.
“Tadej rode strongly throughout the entire climb. He set a big tempo and put Isaac in a position to move up in the general classification because Jonas Vingegaard's crash completely changed both the standings and the way the race unfolded.”
“It became a completely different race. We were expecting an attack from Vingegaard on the final climb after his team had controlled the race, but unfortunately his crash changed everything. I saw that they changed their plan during the climb.”
Jonas Vingegaard was forced to abandon the Tour de France after breaking his collarbone
UAE open to Del Toro podium bid
According to Gianetti, Vingegaard's abandonment forces every team to rethink its tactics for the final week. Had the Dane still been in the race, Pogacar would have been fully focused on matching any attacks instead of supporting Del Toro.
“As I said, if Vingegaard had attacked, Tadej would have had to follow him and wouldn't have been able to help Isaac.”
Despite becoming the overwhelming favorite for overall victory, Gianetti admitted that the Tour is not the same after losing one of its biggest protagonists and arguably Pogacar's main challenger.
“Now things have changed. The Tour de France without Vingegaard is not the same Tour de France. For us, he's a friend whom we need, and we'll miss him. I think the entire peloton and all the fans will miss him because he's an incredible warrior.”
Read also
With Del Toro now firmly in podium contention, UAE are willing to support his ambitions, but only if it does not compromise Pogacar's quest for a fifth Tour title.
“Today he was thinking about winning the stage, so everything changed a little and it opens other opportunities, whether for Isaac or for others, to get onto the podium. If the opportunity to put Isaac on the podium presents itself, then why not? But we won't take any risks that could endanger Tadej's yellow jersey.”
Gianetti also talked about the anti-doping test that both Pogacar and Vingegaard had to endure in the middle of the night. The UAE boss insisted neither he nor his rider had any issue with the procedure.
“He woke up and was a little surprised, but he did it. He's used to it. Those are the rules. That's the way it is, and it's a good thing that there are controls,” he concluded.
Félix SernaCycling Journalist
Félix Serna is a writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2025. He covers professional cycling across both the men’s and women’s calendars, with a focus on UCI rankings, race developments, and rider performance. His work includes interview-based reports, liveblogs, and tournament coverage designed to provide clear, accurate context throughout the season.
In his reporting, Félix regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical reference. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies.
claps 1visitors 1
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- And you’re free to believe that as I am free not to believe it regardless of who my neighbours or work colleagues support.
Andrew21-07-2026 - And you know that how? Did Pog call you, message you?Andrew21-07-2026
- being reported that as many as 8 teams were tested at late hours and from Benjamin Cohen, head of ITA in April: “I don’t think you would want to do mass testing at the Tour de France, for example, and wake up all the athletes at 3am — that doesn’t make sense. I think you would need to have very concrete suspicions (about an athlete) and use that in a very cautious manner. “I wouldn’t advocate for mass night testing, but certainly for some flexibility if you believe that there is an issue.” so really doesn't seem like he's crazy about testing and thinks they should need evidence for late night testing. and here we are, they went to a judge and got the ok so I think they have credible evidencewhkman21-07-2026
- you don't believe or you know?whkman21-07-2026
- "a bit much" is an understatement.whkman21-07-2026
- UAE will suffocate Remco in the big mountains !frieders321-07-2026
- the ita obviously only had evidence on the riders that were tested and took it to the judge and the judge ok'd the 2am and 5am tests. maybe seixas is doped up who knows? but they didn't have any evidence on him to bring to a judge. anyone who thinks the French are biased has forgotten Festina.whkman21-07-2026
- Remco won, Pogi second ! Your worst nightmare ! Ad Acta Clown !frieders320-07-2026
- The youngest rider to start the TdF since 1937 is solidly in the top 5 of the GC contenders after 14 hard fought stages and he doesn't raise any "serious and consistent suspicions"? Seriously bad look for the frogs.mrvco20-07-2026
- Pogi was first 'loser' Sunday ! That would be second place in case that's to hard to figure out!frieders320-07-2026
Loading
Write a comment