Isaac del Toro leads UAE at the ADAC Cyclassics Hamburg

The Hamburg Classic 2025 will take place this Sunday, and the start list is stacked with big names. Wout van Aert makes his long-awaited return to racing, lining up for the first time since he was victorious over Tadej Pogacar in the final stage of the Tour de France. From UAE Team Emirates - XRG, Mexican talent Isaac del Toro will continue his remarkable season; the 21-year-old has been on a winning streak for weeks and arrives in Germany with the clear ambition of keeping that momentum alive on a course designed for fireworks.

Less than a day before the flag drops, UAE Team Emirates - XRG have already confirmed a seven-man lineup so strong it looks like overkill. Del Toro will lead the squad as expected, while Joao Almeida and Juan Ayuso are absent as they prepare their double leadership for the upcoming Vuelta a España. The team’s depth, however, leaves no gaps.

One of the key supporting figures is Sebastián Molano, who is targeting a move away from UAE at the end of the season. Hamburg could be one of his final opportunities to deliver for the Emirati squad, and a sprint victory here would be the perfect parting gift. But Molano will not have it easy. The race features several of the fastest finishers in the peloton, with Jonathan Milan and Kaden Groves present, and even van Aert himself in the mix for a possible bunch sprint showdown.

UAE also have options if the race doesn’t come down to the line. Jan Christen, the explosive Swiss prospect, is primed for late attacks on the short, sharp climbs. Brandon McNulty, fresh off an overall win at the Tour of Poland, adds another layer of strength and versatility. Completing the squad are Alessandro Covi and Antonio Morgado, both well-suited to the rigors of the classics, while Nils Politt returns to competition for the first time since the Tour de France, bringing crucial power for the flat sections.

It’s a lineup bursting with talent, arguably the strongest UAE Team Emirates XRG could deploy in Hamburg, especially with Pogacar sitting out until September’s Canadian WorldTour races. With seven riders who could all realistically chase victory in a one-day classic, UAE arrive not just as contenders but as the team to beat.