“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
Cycling
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.”
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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.”
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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.
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- I think Jonas would have lost the TDF by 4+ minutes (at the least) and might not have even been in the top 3. Too much talent in the younger riders to say anyone not named Pogačar would have been top 3md197503-11-2026
- this is just stupid. you already have 23%, gravel is over the topabstractengineer03-11-2026
- There was once a time when Lance was supremely popular and he used his artificial "It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life" persona to lead his mob in going after Greg. There was no one Lance did not abuse in protecting his phony hero image. Lance promoted himself as a divine megastar and he let down millions of cancer victims and gullible devotees who clung far too long to the charade. Lance is the epitome of a corrupt person and because of his power, many around him, including business enterprises, succumbed to the evil. All who got in Armstrong's way were mercilessly attacked by him and his minions. This remarkably continues today with a new generation. LeMond was a number one enemy and paid a huge price. Who do you think slandered who?Yepperoni03-11-2026
- You despise him because he calls out the truth....OK clown !frieders303-11-2026
- JV is really slighting himself with not doing the 1 dayers.. 🤷
leedorney02-11-2026 - Watch the interview on youtube. I don't speak French. I do speak English and Spanish and you can hear it in his voice. Years ago LeMond had real personal problems I imagine in no small part because of Armstrong. then Armstrong goes round "full blast" re: LeMond having drinking and drug problems. The same way Andreu was expelled from mainstream cycling so was LeMond. On the positive side the clips of the ride and chatting with old teammates and was good. To seemed like a fun day and experience and good reason brush up his French.atom02-11-2026
- and another no-news article around the ‚2 tokyo jogging rounds‘ headline, this time spiced with some days old ‚news‘ that the LA and japan vacation trips come during or after the tdf route release. i am getting more and more annoyed by this time-stealing no-news crap. but who am i to complain? nobody forces me to come back for more ‚news‘ day after day …Ketterechts02-11-2026
- It would likely be a very steep section of 4.1 km, not changing the average gradient considerably, with the climb remaining 10.1 km at 11.8%. It would reach 20% on the gravel. It would start 1.6 km in, and finish with 4.2 km left to climb (before the short final descent)
Rafionain-Glas02-11-2026 - Welcome to the off-season.
santiagobenites02-11-2026 - guillaume martin in this list is quite a surprise as a gc rider.Ketterechts02-11-2026
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