The 2026 Tour de France has been a challenging affair for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, with a string of illnesses plaguing their squad. The latest victim is Brandon McNulty, a key domestique for Tour leader Tadej Pogacar. McNulty's withdrawal from the race due to illness is a significant setback for the team, especially given his role as a vital climber and support rider for Pogacar.
McNulty's struggle on the hilly stage 18 was particularly unusual, as he is normally a strong member of the squad who can assist other team-mates. However, he was back with the sprinters about 25 kilometers into the day's racing, 25 minutes off the peloton's pace. This performance raised concerns about his overall fitness and ability to support Pogacar in the coming stages.
The team's struggles with illness are not limited to McNulty. Tim Wellens also reported sickness but managed to complete stage 18, offering some relief to Pogacar. The Slovenian rider, widely regarded as one of the best in the world, will now rely on his stable-mates for support as he aims to secure his latest Grand Tour victory.
The coming days are expected to be brutal and exacting, and Pogacar will need all the help he can get. McNulty's withdrawal from the race highlights the challenges faced by the team, and the need for a strong and healthy squad to support Pogacar's ambitions.
In my opinion, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG's struggles with illness are a significant factor in their overall performance in the Tour de France. The team's ability to manage and prevent illness will be crucial in determining their success in the remaining stages. It will be interesting to see how they adapt and respond to these challenges in the coming days.
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