João Almeida leads UAE Team Emirates at Vuelta a Espana as Juan Ayuso ready for debut

UAE Team Emirates have revealed their lineup for the upcoming Vuelta a Espana, which includes riders capable of fighting for both the overall classification and the sprints, led by João Almeida who will be a big candidate for the win.

Racing close to home, Almeida will try to get vengeance over his abandon at the Giro d'Italia - where a positive Covid-19 test took him out in the final week whilst fighting for the podium. His recent win at the Vuelta a Burgos indicates he is on strong form, and should be the sole leader for the team, one that however features more quality climbers.

Juan Ayuso, at only 19 years of age, will be making his Grand Tour debut. It was not expected that the Spaniard would already be doing a three-week race over this season, but the team have decided to have him, with a role that has not been cleared. The presence of Brandon McNulty could also signal further support, but also possible stage hunting or even a GC tilt from the American. Marc Soler and Jan Polanc will also be providing support in the mountains.

However the team will also give an opportunity to it's fast men, as Pascal Ackermann - recently a stage winner at the Tour de Pologne will be having the freedom to chase his own results. Juan Sebastián Molano will come in with a key leadout role, whilst Ivo Oliveira will also play an important support role for both the German and the Portuguese's ambitions.

UAE Team Emirates for Vuelta a Espana: João Almeida, Pascal Ackermann, Brandon McNulty, Juan Sebastián Molano, Ivo Oliveira, Jan Polanc and Marc Soler.