UAE Team Emirates faces illness and injuries ahead of final Alpine stages

UAE Team Emirates-XRG entered stage 18 with several riders affected by health issues. Rider Brandon McNulty was preparing to leave Geneva, while Adam Yates reported a stomach problem and Tim Wellens was recovering from a sore throat after narrowly making the time cut on Thursday. Florian Vermeersch also sustained an injury, leaving only three fully fit teammates to support race leader Tadej Pogačar for the upcoming Alpe d’Huez stages.

Team boss Mauro Gianetti and sporting manager Joxean Fernández Matxin initially downplayed reports of illness within the squad. However, Wellens later confirmed to Belgian media that a sore throat had affected him, contradicting earlier statements that only Yates was isolated. At the stage finish in Orcières-Merlette, Matxin reiterated that Wellens was not sick, attributing his reduced effort to conserving energy.

Pogačar remains in the yellow jersey with a lead of more than four minutes. Analysts note that his chances of retaining the overall lead depend on his own health, as the depleted team may have limited capacity to control breakaways or chase down attacks. Former champion Jonas Vingegaard, who withdrew earlier in the race, would have been a potential challenger to any weakness in the Emirates camp.

Rival riders, including Remco Evenepoel of Bora-Hansgrohe, have indicated they will target podium positions, while younger competitors such as Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas are also positioned for high finishes. The reduced strength of UAE may lead to a more open race in the final Alpine stages, with increased opportunities for breakaway groups.

The upcoming stage 19 to Alpe d’Huez and the subsequent stage featuring multiple climbs are expected to be decisive for the general classification. Observers suggest that any further health setbacks for Pogačar or his teammates could influence the race outcome.