Tadej Pogačar will not participate in the Vuelta, UAE Emirates-XRG focuses on others

• Tadej Pogačar skips the Vuelta due to the necessity of recovery.
• UAE Emirates-XRG focuses on João Almeida and Juan Ayuso.
• The team has a strong lineup for competing in the Vuelta.

Tadej Pogačar, four-time champion of the Tour de France, has decided to skip the Vuelta, which starts on August 23 in Turin, Italy. Pogačar cannot participate in the race due to requirements related to post-Tour recovery.

The 26-year-old cyclist noted that after such a demanding race, it is better to recover. "After such a demanding race, we decided that it’s best to rest," he said through his team.

In Pogačar's absence, the UAE Emirates-XRG team focuses on Portuguese rider João Almeida and Spanish rider Juan Ayuso in the Vuelta. Both riders have experience and successful results in international competitions, which makes them potential contenders for the overall win.

Almeida, who did not finish the Tour de France due to injury, returns to competition, as does Ayuso, who also has experience in the mountains. The team has also included other strong riders, such as Mark Soler, Felix Großschartner, Jay Vine, Domen Novak, Michael Bierg and Ivo Oliveira.

Tags: Sport