UAE Team Emirates - XRG unveil strong lineup to defend title at Itzulia Basque Country to back up Isaac del Toro

The Itzulia Basque Country gets underway next Monday, with clear ambitions from UAE Team Emirates - XRG, who return to northern Spain as the team to beat. The Emirates squad has presented a well-balanced lineup, capable of handling the explosive demands of this stage race.

At the centre of attention will be Isaac del Toro, one of the brightest prospects in world cycling. The young Mexican continues to make steady progress in his development and arrives at the Tour of the Basque Country with ambitions of securing overall victory. An attacking climber by nature, Del Toro could find in this rugged route, filled with short and intense climbs, the ideal terrain to test his consistency against the WorldTour elite.

Alongside him, the Emirates squad brings a strong support base, led by Marc Soler, a rider who knows the Basque roads well.

Another name to watch is Brandon McNulty, a complete rider with quality both in the mountains and in individual efforts. The American could play a dual role, protecting the leader in the toughest stages and, should the opportunity arise, positioning himself as an alternative for the general classification or for stage victories.

The block is further strengthened by Felix Großschartner and the ever-reliable Domen Novak, two riders essential in managing pace in mountainous terrain. Both provide guarantees in controlling the peloton and positioning the leader at key moments of the stages.

The Spanish component of the team is made up of Igor Arrieta and Adrià Pericas, two young talents who know the terrain well and could gain prominence in more open race scenarios. The Itzulia Basque Country, traditionally marked by unpredictable stages and constant changes of rhythm, is the ideal setting for these young cyclists to continue proving their worth and, should the opportunity arise, to make their mark.

With a versatile lineup and multiple cards to play, the Emirates squad heads into this edition with clear arguments to fight for overall victory. The combination of ambitious youth and experience could prove decisive in a race where positioning, race awareness, and the ability to respond in critical moments often make the difference.