Is UAE Over the Top?

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Who knows what aspersions are cast behind closed doors or behind the scenes lobbying ........................

Just my opinion, but I would say it makes it very difficult for the UCI or others to challenge the cred. of the golden child for an insanely wealthy and well connected ownership.
And that's where I would hope a big player like Red Bull would come in like I said - they are also an insanely wealthy and well connected ownership. Plus, now Remco is joining them. Based upon what Red Bull spend in other sports including F1 I reckon they would be willing to take on UAE - as in, behind closed doors or behind the scenes.

And if you haven't already guessed, yes I am am optimist.
 
Jul 7, 2013
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Apparently Isaac del Toro lost the wheel because he had stomach problems since arriving in Rwanda seven days ago. That's gotta hurt. Yet he managed to drop everyone and hitch a ride with Pogi-motocar after 160 km's of racing.
I hope he enjoyed the spectacle before going poopy in his pants.
Seriously, someone on their PR team has to come up with a better narrative than the stomach issue BS.

Isaac did exactly what I predicted before the race: he cooperated with UAEs godfather, its the only sensible choice to keep developing in the team. Stomach issues or not, he did well and gained Teddy's gratitude.
 
Aug 9, 2021
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This can only go one way; an arms race where UAE still are gonna end up on top, because they have protection.

Since Selfie (Lappartient) is going to promote the winning team it means they have protection until another team rises above them. And raising above them is almost impossible since only the already on top has the protection.

So it will take a long time before they fall.
 
May 2, 2009
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This can only go one way; an arms race where UAE still are gonna end up on top, because they have protection.

Since Selfie (Lappartient) is going to promote the winning team it means they have protection until another team rises above them. And raising above them is almost impossible since only the already on top has the protection.

So it will take a long time before they fall.
How long do you think?
The Pharmstrong train was derailed only after a disgruntled passenger who was kicked off started making a ruckus.
Ripper says there's no incentive for others to speak up due to repercussions, and I completely agree. As long as people are making coin, there's no need to speak up. But athletes are natural competitors. The best don't like losing.
I wonder how long it will take before yet another "startling revelation."
 
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Feb 20, 2012
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The only GTO strategy is against UAE is to race against them in the most boring fashion and tank viewership
 
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Sep 5, 2016
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Del Toro yesterday, Pogacar, Yates, and Let's Go Brandon McNulty today, still plenty of action ahead!!
 
Sep 25, 2022
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Really? He was second in 2023 & 2024, MvdP and WVA weren't there, Merlier cancelled, Pidcock rode Lombardy yesterday and plenty of his UAE teammates didn't want to chase him today. This wasn't a surprising victory.
It may not be surprising but at this point literally any other team winning a big race feels like a long time ago.
 
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Oct 16, 2025
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It's been some time since UAE were merely 'over the top' there late season success with del Toro etc has completely reinforced their domination

Will we ever hear the truth re. what's going on?
 
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May 2, 2009
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It's been some time since UAE were merely 'over the top' there late season success with del Toro etc has completely reinforced their domination

Will we ever hear the truth re. what's going on?
Not as long as there's enough money to keep going around.
 
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Sep 5, 2016
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The satanic humiliation rituals have already begun for the year
I give up already.
I enjoy the lack of any tactics by other teams, nobody could keep Vine's wheel including Narvaez,
Jay showed great patience and other teams sat back and decided that TDU is just too important, it's just too early to go on the limit, nobody raced bold at all.... it's the second day and nobody would take a chance.
UAE exactly the opposite, they raced for intermediate sprint on first stage!!!!! Can't believe that entire lack luster peloton and team management couldn't be bothered to contest non sprinter Narvaez in bonus sprint. Absolutely ridiculous,

teams not even willing to race from 1st sprint, go home already. Teams already acting like everything is a parade lap.
Really? Teams are saving energy why? Teams didn't send anyone waiting for another day? Just so so, too disappointing that teams like EF are not sending someone who is peaking for TDU, teams treating this like a training race. UAE shows up for every race every time, January to almost November.
Teams should be humiliated, embarrassed that nobody has enough gas on the second day to answer anything. How in the world can you give up a minute in 2 easy stages? And double doodoo drag Yates up the hill to keep him in the hunt for everything.
2 UAE leaders and Yates within striking distance.
The internet will light up about UAE too top heavy, too much talent, inner team resentment and sharp elbows trying to get Pogacar scraps, reality is UAE dividing the talent, sending someone good, capable, ready to every race.
The fact that UAE won the first bonus sprint, guy who won it wearing #1 bib number on the first stage and nobody else was ready, nobody else paying attention? Come on.
If you are EF or Picnic basket, team director says get on Narvarez's wheel at hotel parking lot and don't get off it until we tell you. A bunch of lap dogs when UAE is sending multiple pitbulls to each event.
Almedia, Del Toro and Pogacar all eating raw meat being kept in a cage until it's their turn to hurt, hunt, kill, really a let down that not everyone came to race, maybe team directors think TDU will add stages and it's OK to hold back, squander opportunity. Who knows. UAE is criticized for being prepared.
 
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Jul 4, 2016
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I personally don't give a *** about the results so far. Once the real season starts, I might care a little bit but not enough to stop me Tarantella dancing around Italy in May. This dance is said to cure tarantula bites which is what these little UAE victories are.
 
Sep 26, 2020
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I personally don't give a *** about the results so far. Once the real season starts, I might care a little bit but not enough to stop me Tarantella dancing around Italy in May. This dance is said to cure tarantula bites which is what these little UAE victories are.

When does the real season start in your opinion?