Matxin warns that Pogačar is going to be even better in 2026

UAE Team Emirates-XRG team manager Joxean 'Matxin' Fernández believes Tadej Pogačar is not yet the finished article, and that he is still getting better with each passing year.

"His age is making him progress in all aspects," Matxin told Marca in a wide-ranging interview from the UAE. "That maturity and experience of each year make him better, know himself better, train better and fuel himself better. From my point of view, this year will have a little more progression, even."

In an interview that ranged from the team's early-season bad luck to Del Toro's role at his debut Tour de France, Matxin was also asked if Pogačar has any weaknesses to speak of.

"He doesn't have one," he said, laughing. "But if he did, I wouldn't tell you so that his rivals wouldn't take advantage."

And finally, the team manager's wish for 2026? "[To] win one more race than we won last year, win with one more cyclist, and continue to keep Tadej as the best cyclist and UAE as the best team in the world."