We’re only two days into the 2025 Giro d’Italia, and already
the race has delivered action and drama. Mads Pedersen edged out Wout van Aert
for the pink jersey on stage 1, and then Josh Tarling stunned Primoz Roglic in
the stage 2 time trial. Stage 3 looks set to suit the puncheurs once again,
with another reduced bunch sprint likely.
But one thing we haven’t seen so far, a rarity in 2025, is a
win for UAE Team Emirates – XRG.
Yes, the team that has already racked up 37 victories this
season has been quiet so far. It’s a stark contrast to 12 months ago, when they
completely dominated the Giro, with Tadej Pogacar winning six stages and
claiming the maglia rosa by nearly 10 minutes. Pogacar was third on the opening
stage in 2024, and then won stage 2 and took the pink jersey, never relinquishing
it again.
This year, they’ve brought another powerful squad, co-led (at
least on paper) by Juan Ayuso and Adam Yates. But let’s be honest: everyone
knows Ayuso is being treated as the outright leader.
And already, that decision is beginning to raise eyebrows.
There’s no doubt Ayuso is a generational talent. The
22-year-old won Tirreno-Adriatico earlier this year and was runner-up to Roglic
at the Volta a Catalunya. He’s widely seen as the Slovenian’s main rival for
this Giro.
But are UAE underestimating Adam Yates?
Ayuso currently sits 5th overall, 16 seconds behind Roglic
after a solid time trial where he finished 10th. That’s a respectable start,
but Roglic has looked sharp and assured, and he is a proven winner. Yates, by
contrast, is 14th overall, 36 seconds behind the race favourite.
There’s been plenty of discussion in the media about UAE’s
racing dynamic without Pogacar. Pundits Spencer Martin and Johan Bruyneel were
especially critical after a nervous and dangerous stage 1, noting how Red Bull
– BORA – hansgrohe were united around Roglic while UAE looked disorganised.
“Red Bull was very attentive with Roglic at the end of the
race,” said Bruyneel on The Move. “The ones we didn't see at the front was UAE. When
Pogacar is not in the race, they are scattered all over the place. Lucky for
Juan Ayuso who navigated well on the climb and the stage finish, because there
was going to be no one with him.”
It’s no slight on Ayuso to say he isn’t yet the commanding
leader that Pogacar is, few if any ever have been. But it does raise the
question: are we writing off Adam Yates far too soon?
Since joining UAE in 2023, Yates has consistently delivered
when it matters, often while playing a supporting role for Pogacar. He wore the
yellow jersey after stage 1 of the 2023 Tour de France and ended that race
third overall, just one place behind his teammate.
In 2024, he won the Tour de Suisse and finished sixth at the
Tour de France, again riding selflessly for Pogacar, who crushed the
competition.
In 2025, Ayuso’s early-season form has clearly been stronger,
there’s no doubt about that. He won Tirreno-Adriatico while Yates finished
16th; at Catalunya, Ayuso came second while Yates laboured to 32nd. But we all
know Yates saves his best for the Grand Tours.
Read also
He’s experienced, resilient, and tactically smart. He’s not
a rider who needs fireworks in week one to make his presence felt in the
mountains of week three. So while Ayuso may be the team’s chosen leader for
now, don’t be surprised if the road ends up elevating Adam Yates.
The Giro is long, and so far, UAE Team Emirates – XRG have
remained quiet. But if the past two years are any guide, Adam Yates will not
stay quiet for long.
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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