UAE Team Emirates held a press briefing today to outline their ambitious strategy for the 2026 Tour de France, confirming that Tadej Pogačar will once again lead the squad in his quest for a record-equaling fifth title. The team has bolstered its roster with three new climbing specialists to support Pogačar in the high Alps and Pyrenees, addressing weaknesses exposed in last year's narrow second-place finish.

Pogačar, who recently won the Tour of Oman in dominant fashion, stated that he is lighter and more motivated than ever. The 2026 route, which was leaked last week, features an unusually high number of mountain finishes and a grueling individual time trial on the penultimate day, a layout that heavily favors Pogačar’s versatile riding style.

The main challenge is expected to come from Visma-Lease a Bike and their leader Jonas Vingegaard, who has spent the winter training at high altitude in Colombia. The rivalry between Pogačar and Vingegaard has defined the modern era of cycling, and the 2026 edition is already being billed as one of the most anticipated grand tours in history.