As Tadej Pogačar continues to dominate the Tour de France in pursuit of his fourth yellow jersey, questions are emerging about the future of other UAE Team Emirates-XRG talents.

The Slovenian world champion is undisputedly the team's main star, but behind him are three promising riders with Grand Tour ambitions: João Almeida, Isaac del Toro and Juan Ayuso.

For the Vuelta a España, only Almeida is currently confirmed, according to team manager Matxin. The Portuguese, who withdrew from the Tour after a crash, is recovering from a fractured rib and aims to be 100% fit for the final Grand Tour of the season.

The most delicate situation concerns Juan Ayuso. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who seemed destined to become the team's future after his podium finishes at the Vuelta, now appears to be in trouble. He will not participate in his home Grand Tour, and rumors are circulating of a possible early departure, despite a contract until 2028.

The young Mexican Del Toro, on the other hand, is shining, having finished second in the Giro d'Italia and winning several minor races recently. At just 21 years old, with a contract until 2029, he's establishing himself as a potential successor to Pogačar.

The Emirati team therefore finds itself having to manage a delicate balance between the ambitions of its young stars. While Almeida and Del Toro seem destined to thrive alongside Pogačar, Ayuso's future appears increasingly uncertain, especially if he manages to free himself from his long contract.

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