'We still have big ambitions'- Adam Yates looks to emulate brother Simon as UAE Team Emirates leader for Giro d'Italia

Adam Yates will lead UAE Team Emirates at the 2026 Giro d’Italia in the absence of key riders Tadej Pogačar, Isaac del Toro, and João Almeida. With Pogačar and del Toro focusing on the Tour de France and Almeida sidelined by illness, Yates steps up as the team’s primary general classification contender. The 33-year-old, who made his Giro debut in 2017 and boasts seven top-ten Grand Tour finishes, aims to secure a podium spot for UAE following recent successes by his teammates, including Pogačar’s 2024 victory and Almeida’s third place in 2023. Yates will be supported by a blend of experienced riders and promising newcomers, including Australian national time trial champion Jay Vine, Igor Arrieta, Mikkel Bjerg, Jhonatan Narváez, Marc Soler, and Grand Tour debutants Jan Christen and António Morgado. The team faces stiff competition from Jonas Vingegaard of Visma-Lease a Bike and the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe pairing of Giulio Pellizziari and Jai Hindley. Yates also seeks to emulate his twin brother Simon, who won the 2025 Giro before retiring from professional cycling ahead of the 2026 season. Despite Almeida’s absence altering their strategy, Yates remains optimistic about UAE’s prospects. He highlighted his strong form following a victory at O Gran Camiño and a solid training block in Sierra Nevada, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to animate the race and challenge for the general classification. The squad, while missing some key riders reserved for the Tour de France, still presents a formidable line-up capable of targeting both stage wins and overall success. Jay Vine, recovering from a crash earlier in the season, is expected to contest the time trial stage along the Tuscan coast and could emerge as a dark horse in the general classification if he maintains consistency. Meanwhile, Narváez, Bjerg, and Soler bring valuable Grand Tour experience, having previously supported Pogačar, while Arrieta returns after a promising debut last year. The youthful duo of Christen and Morgado, with a combined 15 professional wins, will provide essential support and inject fresh energy into the team during the demanding three-week race. UAE Team Emirates’ approach to the Giro reflects a balance between nurturing emerging talent and leveraging seasoned riders to contend for both stage victories and the overall title. With Yates at the helm, the team aims to continue its recent strong performances in Italy and maintain its status as a major force in Grand Tour racing, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive edition of the Giro d’Italia.