From the Spanish retreat in Alicante in which the UAE is training, we caught up with Mauro Gianetti, team principal of the Emirates team, by phone: "The Giro is a great race and it was very clear that Tadej would be there sooner or later," explained the Swiss manager. We had been thinking about it for several weeks, but we only withdrew our reservations in the very last few hours. The reason? This year's Corsa Rosa has a more balanced and not too hard route, which may allow Tadej to arrive ready for the Tour de France as well. As always, Pogačar will come to Italy with the aim of putting on a show and aiming for the best result.
With the Giro-Tour double in sight, then, a slightly lighter spring for the Slovenian phenomenon than in 2023. The debut could take place at the Strade Bianche (2 March), while defending the sceptre at the Tour of Flanders looks more complicated. Tadej also has a score to settle with the Ardennes Classics (and in particular Liège-Bastogne-Liège), so it is fair to expect him to be battling it out in Wallonia as a last test before the Corsa Rosa.