UAE Team Emirates-XRG to fight for Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes victory with pair of debutants

UAE Team Emirates-XRG has confirmed its squad for the upcoming Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, with João Almeida and Isaac del Toro named as co-leaders. Both riders will make their debuts at the race, which takes place from 7 to 14 June and features a strong field including notable GC contenders such as Juan Ayuso, Mattias Skjelmose, and Matteo Jorgenson. Almeida and Del Toro will be supported by teammates Benoît Cosnefroy, Pavel Sivakov, Pablo Torres, Kevin Vermaerke, and Ivo Oliveira as the team tackles the challenging eight-day event covering 1,208 kilometres. Del Toro arrives at the race following a period of recovery after a thigh muscle injury sustained in April, having previously claimed victories at the UAE Tour and Tirreno-Adriatico earlier this season. Almeida, meanwhile, is returning from illness that hampered his performances in March and April, including the Giro d’Italia, though he showed promising form with a podium finish at the Volta ao Algarve in February. The pair have limited experience racing together, with their last joint outing seeing Del Toro support Almeida to victory at Itzulia Basque Country last year. Both riders expressed optimism ahead of their first participation in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Del Toro highlighted his excitement about racing in France and the positive direction of his training, acknowledging the high level of competition as many riders use the race to prepare for the Tour de France. Almeida’s race plans beyond this event remain undecided, while Del Toro is expected to play a support role for Tadej Pogačar at the Tour de France later this summer. Frenchman Benoît Cosnefroy, in his first season with UAE Team Emirates, will also be a key figure in the team’s campaign. He has enjoyed a successful start to the year with four wins, including the GP du Morbihan and Boucles de la Mayenne, and will be crucial on the demanding parcours featuring summit finishes at Plateau de Solaison, Grand Colombier, and Crest-Voland. The team time trial will add another tactical element to the race, testing the squad’s cohesion and strength. The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes presents an important opportunity for UAE Team Emirates-XRG to assert their presence in a race that serves as a significant build-up to the Tour de France. With two promising debutants leading the charge and a strong supporting cast, the team aims to challenge for overall victory while fine-tuning their form ahead of the Grand Tour season. The event promises to be a stern test of fitness and strategy as the riders navigate a varied and demanding French landscape.