Friend defends Pogačar: 'Why shouldn't they?'

Michael Matthews, a close friend of Tadej Pogačar, has defended the dominant tactics of the UAE Team Emirates-XRG at the Tour de France. While acknowledging that the team's strategy sometimes prevents rivals from competing for stage wins, Matthews believes it is a natural part of professional cycling.

"If they have the means and the power, why shouldn't they use it?" Matthews questioned. He noted that teams are paid to win, and sponsors demand results, regardless of whether other competitors are unhappy. He emphasized that UAE's objective is to win as many races as possible.

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If they have the means and the power, why shouldn't they use it?

Matthews, an experienced rider for Jayco-AlUla, often trains with Pogačar near Monaco. He observed that UAE not only defends Pogačar's yellow jersey but also actively pursues victories in nearly every stage suited to the Slovenian champion. He pointed to recent stages where UAE controlled the race, catching breakaway groups to set up Pogačar for wins.

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We are on the races to win. That's what we get paid for and that's what sponsors demand from us. They don't care if rivals and other people are unhappy, their job is to win all the races they can.

"We are on the races to win. That's what we get paid for and that's what sponsors demand from us," Matthews stated. He believes any team in UAE's position would act similarly. "They don't care if rivals and other people are unhappy, their job is to win all the races they can."

Matthews admitted that this approach has cost him opportunities. "We try every day, but when UAE rides like this, it's very difficult. Sprint stages are completely controlled, and I'll have to look for breakaway opportunities in stages that suit me. But that's never easy, every breakaway is a lottery," he explained.

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We try every day, but when UAE rides like this, it's very difficult. Sprint stages are completely controlled, and I'll have to look for breakaway opportunities in stages that suit me. But that's never easy, every breakaway is a lottery.