"We have a strong enough squad, I’m convinced of that” - Joxean Matxin staunchly defends Tadej Pogacar's support team at Giro d'Italia amidst criticism

Whilst Tadej Pogacar has undoubtedly been the strongest rider in the opening few stages of the 2024 Giro d'Italia, whether his UAE Team Emirates teammates have given him the best support is a hot topic for many in the cycling world.

Despite criticism of the supposed UAE Team Emirates B-team, team manager Joxean Matxin has launched a fierce defence of the riders selected and their performances during the opening days of the Giro d'Italia. “At this moment in time, we have 31 victories [this season], we have almost double the points of the second team in the rankings. There is no doubt about the level of the team,” Matxin told GCN. “Here we have a strong enough squad, I’m convinced of that. These are only opinions, and you have to respect them all, but with the squad we have here I do not agree. I defend all of them as the best in the world.”

Although, as mentioned, Pogacar has proven himself the dominant force in the Maglia Rosa battle early on, the fact that the vastly experienced Rafal Majka is the only real mountain domestique, could leave the Slovenian outnumbered by his rivals in the days to come. Having only Majka as climbing support wasn't the original plan however.

“Unfortunately Jay Vine couldn’t start, and then it was a decision between a few riders – who to take,” Pogacar himself explained on Tuesday. “There were some riders already racing a lot this year, some fatigue. It was a difficult decision, but even me, I saw in Vegard Stake Laengen the most potential because I knew we had to take a lot of responsibility and Mikkel Bjerg and Domen Novak are climbing both super well. In the end, we can use Vegard more for the flat part of the stages and pull long, because that’s what he’s perfect for. I think it’s a good decision, it’s going well so far.”