'It's about having nothing to lose' – Liberated by their bad luck, just how many stages can ruthless five-man UAE Team Emirates-XRG win at Giro d'Italia?

UAE Team Emirates-XRG have defied the odds at the 2026 Giro d’Italia, maintaining a dominant presence despite being reduced to just five riders early in the race. After a mass crash on stage two saw their three leading climbers—Tadej Pogačar, Isaac del Toro, and João Almeida—forced to abandon, the team appeared vulnerable. However, they have since claimed half of the available stage victories in the first eight days, with Ecuadorian champion Jhonatan Narváez securing his second win and the team’s third on stage eight. This remarkable performance underscores the squad’s resilience and tactical acumen in the face of adversity. The team’s success is built on depth and a collective fighting spirit, as highlighted by their 2025 record of 97 wins from 20 different riders. Directeur Sportif Fabio Baldato credited the team’s unity and preparation, noting that their altitude training camp and strong morale have been crucial in sustaining their momentum. Narváez, a key signing from Ineos, exemplifies this attitude, emphasising the freedom and motivation that come from having “nothing to lose.” His stage eight victory was the result of a well-executed breakaway, supported by teammate Mikkel Bjerg’s selfless work, which allowed Narváez to power away in the final climb to Fermo. The team’s misfortune began even before the Giro started, with the withdrawal of planned leader João Almeida and subsequent losses of Adam Yates, Jay Vine, and Marc Soler. Yet, this adversity has paradoxically liberated UAE Team Emirates-XRG to race aggressively and exploit opportunities as ruthless stage hunters rather than focusing on general classification ambitions. Baldato acknowledged that without a contender for the overall, the squad enjoys greater tactical freedom, which they have used to their advantage. With two weeks remaining, Narváez and his teammates, including Bjerg, Igor Arrieta, Jan Christen, and Antonio Morgado, remain poised to add further victories. Looking ahead, the team aims to build on their strong start and continue targeting stage wins across the varied terrain of the Giro. Baldato joked about surpassing their previous haul of seven stage wins at the Vuelta, though he tempered expectations by stressing the importance of celebrating current successes. The combination of experienced leaders and hungry young riders suggests UAE Team Emirates-XRG will remain a formidable force in breakaways and sprint finishes alike. Their ability to adapt and thrive despite early setbacks could make them one of the most compelling storylines of this year’s race.