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Intermarché - Circus - Wanty

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Yes and even that is a step above what he has been doing lately. It's not "luck", it's a matter of having enough strength to remain within touching distance something he hasn't been able to to for a while. And he caught up with the lead group quite fast too, so he was never too far behind. I never suggested he was the best of the GC guys but I can see significant and odd improvements even if a rider doesn't destroy the field... Particularly if that comes at age 36.

It's certainly not as eyebrow raising as Hirt having a career season at age 31, but in the context of this team is, at least, suspicious.

I was arguing on twitter (yes, I know...) and it was mostly about how UAE and Matxin have the super fuel.
well, no super fuel for Costa?
 
I was arguing on twitter (yes, I know...) and it was mostly about how UAE and Matxin have the super fuel.
well, no super fuel for Costa?
Ouside Pogacar no one seems to be on super fuel at UAE. Ayuso was also pretty strong at the Vuelta but he was already a major talent before even signing. Although others have shown glimpses of greatness, they actually have quite a few people regressing from their past form on other teams. So, that doesn't really hold, just the usual Twatter fact-free head cannon.

Costa's remarks about being limited also don't really hold much water for me. He, mainly through his wife who manages his social media presence, are always looking for excuses about real or even just perceived shortcomings. It's actually something that makes him kind of unpopular even in Portugal. Of course he had to prepare himself and work for the GC leaders at GT's and other major events but he had his chances (specially in the beginning of the season) and just didn't execute like he's doing now. A different "preparation" now that he's on a team that's flying is a much more logical explanation than lack of chances or him being denied access to the """super fuel""" from Matxin.
 
Ouside Pogacar no one seems to be on super fuel at UAE. Ayuso was also pretty strong at the Vuelta but he was already a major talent before even signing. Although others have shown glimpses of greatness, they actually have quite a few people regressing from their past form on other teams. So, that doesn't really hold, just the usual Twatter fact-free head cannon.

Costa's remarks about being limited also don't really hold much water for me. He, mainly through his wife who manages his social media presence, are always looking for excuses about real or even just perceived shortcomings. It's actually something that makes him kind of unpopular even in Portugal. Of course he had to prepare himself and work for the GC leaders at GT's and other major events but he had his chances (specially in the beginning of the season) and just didn't execute like he's doing now. A different "preparation" now that he's on a team that's flying is a much more logical explanation than lack of chances or him being denied access to the """super fuel""" from Matxin.
The only outliners at UAE are those 2 and they are being coach by/working with Dr Millan...