The UAE Team Emirates-XRG manager, Joxean Fernández Matxin, reflects on Jonas Vingegaard's ascent of the Blockhaus in the Giro d'Italia with a mix of admiration and frustration. Matxin highlights the strategic brilliance of Visma-Lease a Bike's approach, where Vingegaard let his teammates do the heavy lifting before making his move. This clever tactic, Matxin notes, could potentially add up to significant time gains over the course of the race.
Matxin expresses surprise at the time Vingegaard took on key rival Giulio Pellizzari, a minute on a crucial opponent in a first mountain stage. He acknowledges Felix Gall's strong performance, but also points out vulnerabilities in Gall's GC options, citing his less-than-impressive bike handling skills compared to Vingegaard and others. Matxin praises Vingegaard's intelligent racing strategy, noting his ability to wait for the right moment and use his energy perfectly.
However, Matxin dismisses the idea that Vingegaard has effectively won the Giro, emphasizing the race's unpredictability and the potential for setbacks. He laments the injuries to UAE riders, particularly Jay Vine, who has endured a series of unfortunate crashes and setbacks. Matxin emphasizes the importance of showing belief in Vine, who has worked hard and made significant sacrifices.
Matxin also discusses Adam Yates' anger over his abandonment, believing he could have been in the GC fight. He provides an update on Marc Soler's recovery, mentioning his progress in walking with crutches. Despite the team's success with multiple stage wins, Matxin remains focused on the riders who have had to withdraw, expressing support and understanding for their situation.
In conclusion, Matxin highlights the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead in the Giro d'Italia, urging his team to remain vigilant and competitive despite the setbacks. He emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and individual resilience in the face of adversity.
