Il UAE Team Emirates Gen Z is currently in training camp in Sestriere to prepare for the Giro Next Gen. A multi-stage event that will begin next June 14th in Reggio Calabria to end on June 21st in L'AquilaEight stages, as always demanding and challenging, covering a total of one thousand kilometers and requiring a lot of effort. One of the new features of this edition of the Giro is the decision by RCS Sport & Events to increase the number of riders per team: we go from five in the previous editions to sixThis corresponds to a decrease in the number of participating teams, which went from 33 to 28 (LaPresse photo at the top).
On the flagship of the Emirati development training, In addition to Giacomo Notari, Jan Polanc will also be at the GiroThe Slovenian, who retired from cycling in 2023, has found his place in reality UAE Team Emirates as sports director. Together with him we analyze the choice to increase the number of riders per team, with a race that could become more organized and manageable.
«This is a very good choice for the teams – says Polanc – because it is possible to establish dynamics that are increasingly similar to those found among professionalsEight days is a long time for a stage race, especially if you find mixed routes."
Let's get straight to the technical details. What changes for you?
We will have the opportunity to bring a fast rider with us for the sprints, option that with a greater choice becomes possibleIn past years, a strong rider was always left at home, because five boys per team is really too few.
Was it often the sprinter who paid the price?
Let's say that if you want to rank, that's how it is. The climber must have a strong man on the climb at his side and riders are needed to manage the race: I think it's really difficult with five players. Now, with an extra player, we have the opportunity to develop different tactics and plans.
Who will be with you?
Stella is doing well and should be the go-to sprinter. At the moment we are on retreat with seven boys, considering that Sambinello he is trying to recover as best he can to be at the start.
With six boys per team, a bigger gap could be opened between I have to team up and continental?
In my opinion, no, there will certainly be a way to better control the race, which is not a secondary aspect. Furthermore, each team will be able to manage this extra space as they prefer.Maybe some team will bring a young player to give him experience.
Tactically, will there be fewer moments of uncertainty, like there were last year?
The teams will have the opportunity to organize themselves and work well in case there are chases or breakaways to close on. Last year we won the pink jersey with Schwarzbacher in the first stage, only to then give it up on the second day in favor of Jonathan VervenneHe was on the run and managed to resist pursuit.
Does one more rider and fewer teams also mean fewer interests to manage?
Fewer tactics that struggle to fit together: not that it's a bad thing, but the game is better controlled. Also last year the huge breakaway of the fifth stage brought about a major shake-upAnd I think the level could be more homogeneous.
You say?
Yup, why the Italian continentals are doing wellThey've gotten to work and raised the bar. So there'll be great competition in the group.
