Matxin and UAE recognize Jonas Vingegaard remains main Tour de France obstacle: "He is a super rival, our most important rival"

At the moment, all eyes are on the spring classics and obviously, Paris-Roubaix for UAE Team Emirates - XRG. However we must not forget that the World Champion will be the man to beat for the Tour de France this year, and team manager Joxean Matxín talks about his expected main rivals.

Of course, Jonas Vingegaard is constantly mentioned as the Slovenian's head rival. But Matxín refuses to call it a two-horse race: "In my opinion, it's not just about those two guys. Maybe Remco has taken his game to the next level, and new riders are coming. We're not just focusing on Jonas. There are a lot of important guys," he said in words to Feltet.

However Pogacar has been showing tremendous form, whilst both Vingegaard and Evenepoel are currently out of action due to injuries. As it stands, the defending champion's main rivals (who joined him in Nice last summer) are having setbacks whilst Pogacar keeps bringing in quality victories (and where he doesn't win, he does shine).

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However for the Tour it will be a different situation, and terrain where the duo can more closely match Pogacar. And new rivals may emerge this year, taking into consideration how young riders have been developing. "There are not many people who have the experience to win. Maybe it's only Remco this year, but the same applied to Jonas and Tadej for their first victory,"

But Vingegaard, despite his setbacks this year, continues to be a very important man to look at for the Spanish manager. "He is super professional and disciplined. He will work hard to reach a top level for the Tour de France. He is a super rival, our most important rival". At the time being however, the team will be able to guide Pogacar towards his Paris-Roubaix debut, whilst the Tour of Flanders is quickly approaching as well.

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