UAE Team Emirates justify absence from upcoming Tour de France series

Over the last few weeks many rumours have emerged over the creation of a series focused on the Tour de France, created by Netflix and Box to Box Films. It has in the meantime been confirmed to be in the works, although adjustments are being made and it is yet to be announced. Eight teams will be present in the series, with the notable absence of UAE Team Emirates the team of defending champion Tadej Pogacar.

Andrea Agostini, chief operating officer, has told VeloNews the reasoning behind this decision: “What I can say is that it’s a really good project. It could bring a lot of benefits to the cycling world but it throws up a lot of complications for us. We agreed with our owners that this wasn’t a priority for us, but maybe in the future, if Netflix leaves the door open for us, then we could jump in. but at this moment it’s not our priority,"

He has added what would be some of the extra challenge - or rather, inconveniences - that the team noted whilst measuring the pros and cons: “It’s also a matter of logistics. To have a cameraman around you all the way through the Tour de France, before the race, too, and when every team is already full. We have our own camera person, photographer and media person, so the space on the bus isn’t so big. Sometimes having people from outside, it’s not so easy to manage. There’s no one particular reason, so maybe next year.”

“It’s the same with Mercedes and Ferrari in ‘Drive to Survive.’ We have a great balance right now with staff and riders, and everyone is super happy and motivated. Sometimes introducing something new could be dangerous. We pay a lot of attention to things like this because we’re a perfect machine and the atmosphere is so good. Mauro gives us great direction and we all know our jobs," he added.

Having the two-time defending champion of the Tour de France, with no doubt there was a large ask for the team to be in the series as Tadej Pogacar will be on the hunt for a third triumph. UAE Team Emirates didn't accept the terms though, but they come as a very specific case where the team states it does not need the visibility that the series will provide.

“A lot of teams jump in because they need that kind of visibility. We honestly don’t need it. If we’re lucky enough to fight for victory at the Tour again, we don’t need that visibility. I spoke to colleagues a lot before we made a decision and they had the same doubts as me. There’s obviously nothing to hide but it’s really important to have that balance inside the team. Other teams said to me that they understand our position but they don’t have the visibility that we do. There are teams in the Tour de France who have not had the same exposure as us in the last two years, and for them it’s really important," Agostini concluded.