UAE Team Emirates may leave behind the man who has brought in Tadej Pogacar and Juan Ayuso

UAE Team Emirates had a roller-coaster of a start at the Vuelta a España. Adam Yates has now won in Granada back into the GC fight on the same day that João Almeida abandoned the race. Behind the scenes there is a full crew of staff supporting them to their best including Joxean Matxin, but this may no longer be the case next year.

The Spanish scout was brought into the team several years ago after proving his worth at Soudal - Quick-Step and quickly became a big and important influence in the team, having a key role in the signing of riders such as Tadej Pogacar and Juan Ayuso with whom he is very close with. Besides a scout, he is also a sports manager in the Emirati team, and often the team's voice during races where he is always open to talk to fans and journalists alike.

Spanish newspaper AS reports now that Matxin's contract is ending at the end of this year but it has not been renewed. It is unclear whether it still will be or if 2024 will really be the final chapter of Matxin in UAE. Currently, he is also said to have been involved in the signing of Pablo Torres to the team's under-23 structure. The 18-year old just put on an historic performance at the Tour de l'Avenir and finished second in GC after winning two stages, and is already being compared to some of his likely future teammates.