Full Breakdown
Illness Undermines UAE Team Emirates-XRG as Tour de France Enters Final Alpine Showdown
7/24/2026, 2:19:52 PM
Core Event
During stage 18 to Orcières-Merlette, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG squad was hit by a stomach-virus-like illness that forced the abandonment of American rider Brandon McNulty and left teammates Tim Wellens, Adam Yates, Florian Vermeersch and others symptomatic. With only two mountain stages remaining, the team’s reduced strength raises questions about leader Tadej Pogacar’s ability to defend his four-minute lead.
Background & Context
Pogacar entered the third week with a 4 min 32 s advantage over Remco Evenepoel after the exit of former rival Jonas Vingegaard. Until stage 18, UAE Team Emirates-XRG had dominated the Tour, controlling breakaways and protecting the yellow jersey. The illness arrived ahead of the decisive double-header on Alpe d’Huez, where team support is crucial for pacing and responding to attacks.
Data & Statistics
- Lead margin: 4 min 32 s over Evenepoel.
- Riders affected: Brandon McNulty (abandoned), Tim Wellens (sore throat), Adam Yates (stomach symptoms), Florian Vermeersch (injury + illness), plus additional unnamed teammates.
- Stage profile: Stage 18 featured five categorized climbs, ending with a seven-kilometre ascent to Orcières-Merlette.
Official Statements & Responses
Team manager Mauro Gianetti downplayed the situation, noting that only Yates had been isolated and that riders ate separately in their rooms. Wellens confirmed a sore throat and described the squad as “clearly … ill.” Evenepoel said he would avoid “crazy risks” and hoped the illness would not spread to his rivals.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Denial vs. Admission: Sports manager Matxín’s denial of Wellens’ sickness conflicts with Wellens’ own statement and Sporza’s reporting of his sore throat.
- Extent of Illness: The precise number of infected team members and the virus’s origin remain unspecified; no medical confirmation has been provided by team doctors or race officials.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m sad that Brandon could not finish. We will see in the next two days but Adam is getting better, and tomorrow, we will go with the flow,” — Tadej Pogacar
- “It’s not nice to kick off the coming days like this,” — Remco Evenepoel
- “He is not sick. He is not sick,” — Matxín, Emirates-XRG sports manager
What’s Next
The race will conclude with two Alpine stages: the Alpe d’Huez finish on Friday followed by a marathon summit day covering the Croix de Fer, Télégraphe, Galibier and Sarenne on Saturday. Pogacar’s ability to retain his lead will depend on whether his remaining teammates can provide sufficient pacing and whether the illness spreads further. Evenepoel, sitting 4 min 32 s behind, is positioned to capitalize on any weakening of the UAE support structure, though he has pledged to avoid high-risk moves. The final days promise heightened tactical uncertainty as the peloton reacts to a weakened dominant team.
