My ratings for UAE
Tadej Pogačar – 9/10
Best rider in the world. He looked more fatigued in the third week compared to last year, likely due to the crash, which clearly cost him and his recovery. Still, a fantastic performance overall: wins the Tour and four stages. He's now racing smarter, not just relying on being the strongest. The only thing missing was the one jaw-dropping ride like we saw last year at Plateau de Beille, which keeps him from getting a perfect 10.
Tim Wellens – 10/10
Incredible. Always there for Pogačar, and now climbing at a very high level. The road captain and Pogacar’s most important helper. And top it with a wins a stage. Just brilliant.
Jhonatan Narváez – 9/10
Signing of the year. Absolutely outstanding, super impressed. That lead-out sprint on Hautacam was one of my highlights for this tour. Wow
Nils Politt – 8/10
Solid, solid, solid. Not much more to say. Loyal, powerful, and climbing better than you'd expect given his size.
Adam Yates – 4/10
Below average. Sending him to the Giro was a mistake, it clearly affected his form here. He was really only good for one day. I almost gave him a 3, but that felt a bit harsh.
Marc Soler – 3/10
Not good enough. Should be replaced next year.
Pavel Sivakov – 1/10
A huge disappointment. He’s been a liability. Definitely needs to be replaced next year. Yes, he was sick, but so was he last year. Like Hirschi, he only shows form in the autumn. What’s the point of bringing him to the Tour?
João Almeida – ??/10
Hard to rate. He looked tired very early in the race. I think his season was just too packed, six one-week races before the Tour is too much.
DS – 7/10
This was the best tactical Tour UAE has had so far. That said, I think Wellens played a big part as road captain, and Pogačar is simply getting smarter with age.
For next year:
Del Toro should absolutely be on the team.
Maybe also Bjerg, McNulty, or Vine especially considering the TTT.
Sivakov and Soler out.
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