If UAE is it for Hirschi then it indeed looks a long term replacement for Ulissi. They must have acted pretty fast with this one. Ulissi might have a hard time coming back then. Heart problems is not an easy thing. Could take a lot of time. It is a 50/50 if he gets back at all I think, without knowing the whole picture and how far they come with tests. If Ulissi is out of the picture for an indefinite time, at least this season, then they have a gap to fill on their roster. He has been a solid performer and winner for them. They have Pog and Kristoff/Trentin/Gaviria but behind there arent that many winners.
If Hirschi will be supporting Pog? I dont think so. They have Conti, Dombrowski, De La Cruz, Formolo, Majka, McNulty, Costa and Polanc.
They will have two of the biggest talents in cycling on their roster nonetheless.
We might get information on this but I wonder if Hirschi and Cancellera were asking for a raise/renegotiation? DSM saying no? Feels a bit weird to just terminate the contract straight up like that. They get nothing. Unless they didnt want to have a potentially disgruntled rider on their team. That it would be detrimental to the team.
Curious case. Things can change quickly.