Giro 2026: UAE Emirates XRG is much more than just leader Adam Yates

UAE Emirates XRG is the next team to announce its eight-rider lineup for the Giro d'Italia. Adam Yates is the clear leader for the general classification, but the squad will also aim for as many stage wins as possible over the coming weeks with several top riders.

UAE Emirates XRG had hoped to contend for the overall victory in the Giro d’Italia with Joao Almeida, but now that the Portuguese rider is not participating, all eyes are on Adam Yates. The experienced Brit will start as team leader. In the past, Yates was a rider to watch, but for his last truly strong GC result in a Grand Tour, we have to go back to the 2024 Tour de France, where he finished sixth.

However, Yates is optimistic about his own chances. “I am quite satisfied with how my preparation for the Giro has gone. The win at O Gran Camiño was a good test, and I have had a solid training block with the team in Sierra Nevada. I think we are ready,” he said on the UAE Emirates website ahead of the three-week race.

“The fact that João is not with us will change our strategy a bit, but we still have big ambitions and want to fight for results. If everything goes well, we stand a good chance in the battle for the general classification. We hope to make it an exciting race.”

Vine and Narváez are back in form
The team is not only aiming for a good GC result but also wants to win as many stages as possible. Therefore, the selection includes several potential stage hunters: Jay Vine, Marc Soler, Jhonatan Narváez, Jan Christen, Antonio Morgado, and Igor Arrieta. Mikkel Bjerg is the eighth and final rider in the squad.

Vine and Narváez have recovered enough after a long rehabilitation period to race again. For the Ecuadorian, it is only his second race of 2026, as he had to spend months recovering after a serious crash at the Tour Down Under. For Christen (21) and Morgado (22), it will be their first time competing in a Grand Tour.