UAE Team Emirates - XRG led by Joao Almeida and Juan Ayuso at Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico

With Strade Bianche successfully ticked off, UAE Team Emirates – XRG now turns its focus to Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico, two of the most prestigious early-season stage races on the calendar. Tadej Pogacar defended his title in dominant fashion in Tuscany, further solidifying his early-season form.

Now, as the team moves into the second week of March, the focus shifts to stage racing, with key riders splitting between the two events.

Paris-Nice kicks off on Sunday, March 9, with UAE Team Emirates – XRG hoping to reclaim the title last won by Pogacar in 2023. This year, the team brings a well-rounded squad, with João Almeida, Pavel Sivakov, and Brandon McNulty providing multiple GC options for the mountain stages, while Nils Politt and Sebastián Molano will support on flatter terrain.

McNulty, who finished third last season, will look to build on his past experience, while Almeida arrives in strong form following a solid campaign at the Volta ao Algarve.

Almeida was optimistic about his chances and the team’s overall strength heading into the race in a team press release.

“It’s been a good start to the season for me and the team. We have found the winning way and been fighting for every race as they come. Here in Paris-Nice, we are going to do our best as a team. I want to be up there with the best guys and fighting for a good result.

“The shape is good after the Volta ao Algarve. I have been recovering and doing some training to stay sharp. Now I am feeling good about this one, and we are going to go for it as a team.”

While the battle unfolds in France, Tirreno-Adriatico gets underway in Italy on Monday, March 10, running simultaneously until Sunday, March 16. UAE Team Emirates – XRG fields a formidable lineup, headlined by Juan Ayuso and Adam Yates, as both riders fine-tune their form ahead of the Giro d’Italia.

The Spanish-British duo presents a strong GC challenge, supported by the likes of Rafał Majka, Felix Großschartner, and young Mexican sensation Isaac del Toro.

Ayuso has made no secret of his ambitions for Tirreno-Adriatico, marking it as a key early-season objective.

“Since the start of the year, I’ve said that Tirreno will be one of my main early season goals, so I am really excited and motivated for it. This year has started really well for the team so far, and personally, I’m really satisfied to be able to contribute to that with my wins. There’s a winning mentality in the team right now that I think motivates everybody a bit extra.

“For Tirreno, we have a very strong team and between myself and Adam [Yates], I think we are in with a good shout for GC. It’s a race I like a lot, and I always love competing in Italy, so I’m looking forward to what will hopefully be a great week of racing.”