Matxin contradicts Evenepoel speculation
Matxin Fernandez clears up the rumours surrounding Tadej Pogačar's 2026 season plans. The sports director of UAE Team Emirates - XRG revealed in an interview with the Spanish newspaper Marca it is clear that the world champion will ride the Tour de France. "Tadej will basically ride the Tour de France and the World Championships next year. That's on the agenda," explained Matxin, rejecting Patrick Evenepoel's speculation.
The discussion arose following a statement by Remco Evenepoel's father on the Belgian programme RTBF. Patrick Evenepoel, Remco Evenepoel's father and manager, had immediately after the course presentation of the Tour de France 2026 expressed doubts about Pogačar's participation. "I don't have the impression that he's going to the Tour next year. He wants to ride the Giro and the Vuelta," said Patrick Evenepoel on the programme. This statement caused considerable attention in the cycling world and speculation about the future plans of the exceptional Slovenian rider.
Strategic considerations versus passion
In his statement, Matxin emphasised the motivation behind possible changes to the programme. The experienced sports director made it clear that any adjustments would not be made for tactical reasons. "If he decides one day to change the programme, it will be out of passion for the sport. Not for strategic reasons," said the Spaniard, explaining the team's philosophy. This statement emphasises Pogačar's special position in the team and his freedom in race selection.
The UAE manager's clarification shows the importance of the Tour de France for the team and its superstar. Pogačar has already won the Tour of France four times and is considered one of the most dominant riders of the current generation. His participation in the 2026 Tour de France would significantly increase the appeal of the race. The organisers of the Tour de France are likely to be relieved by the confirmation of his participation, as Pogačar is considered one of the biggest crowd pullers in modern cycling.
Giro d'Italia participation remains open
While the Tour de France participation has been confirmed by the team, there is still uncertainty about Pogačar's plans regarding the Giro d'Italia 2026. Matxin avoided making any concrete statements about a possible double burden with the Giro and Tour. "I don't want to say anything about that in the interview," said the sports director. This reticence points to intensive internal discussions about the best way to plan the season.
The final decision on the world champion's racing programme will not be made until December. UAE Team Emirates - XRG will then announce the definitive competition programme for its top rider. This late decision will allow the team to take all factors such as form, health and strategic considerations into account when planning the programme. The combination of the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France is considered one of the greatest challenges in cycling and was last successfully mastered by Marco Pantani in 1998 before Pogačar won both races in 2024.
Classic ambitions for the spring
In addition to the Grand Tours, Pogačar also has ambitious goals for the spring classics. In an earlier interview with Eurosport, Matxin had already outlined his plans for the monuments. "Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix are the big goals for next year in the one-day races," the sports director explained the classics strategy. These races would complete Pogačar's already impressive palmares.
The Slovenian has already won three of the five monuments: the Tour of Lombardy, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour of Flanders. With Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix, he is still missing two of the most prestigious one-day races. "Tadej has already won the Tour of Lombardy, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour of Flanders, but he is still missing two monuments," Matxin confirmed his protégé's ambitions.
Peloton reactions and media coverage
The speculation surrounding Pogačar's abandonment of the Tour had caused considerable discussion in the cycling scene. Patrick Evenepoel had described his information as coming "from the heart of the peloton", which added weight to the statement. The quick reaction of UAE Team Emirates - XRG shows how important the clarification was to the team. Such rumours can have a significant impact on sponsors, media rights and overall marketing.
The cycling media had intensively discussed the Evenepoel statement and played through various scenarios. A Tour de France without Pogačar would have fundamentally changed the dynamics of the race and given other favourites such as Jonas Vingegaard or Remco Evenepoel a better chance of winning. The confirmation of his participation now restores the usual starting position and promises a high-class duel between the top riders.
Leon Weidner
Working student
