Matxin: "We had to go first, but Van Aert was the strongest"

Josean Fernández Matxín, director of UAE Emiratesrecognized the superiority of the Belgian Wout Van Aertwinner at a stage that the Emirati team did not come out to play at the start, but had to change their strategy because it was “a high and tumultuous end” where the leader had to come first, Tadej Pogacar.

“The intention was for the break to come, but it was eventually canceled and the Jumbo worked for Van Aert, who was his candidate. On an uphill arrival there was an option, but the last meters were flat and the Belgian was the best, the strongest ”, explained the Basque coach.

The UAE Emirates does not rely on having control on stage, but with a nervous arrival and with these characteristics, it is necessary to control rivals and prevent collapse and reduction in the peloton. Pogacar tried, but now the strongest winner. “

Regarding the positive for Covid and the abandonment of the Tour by Norwegian runner Vegard Stake Laengen, Matxín was not worried about the strict avoidance measures taken by the team.

“We take every possible step to prevent Covid, we have our own machines like in hospitals, runners sleep in individual rooms, we clean everyone’s rooms every day, every cyclist has masseuse … This morning the child, and yesterday was negative… They had to leave his masseuse. ”