UAE Team Emirates have blended youth and experience for the upcoming Tour of Slovenia (June 19-23), with Slovenian time trial champion Tadej Pogacar leading the team’s General Classification (GC) hopes on home soil.

The youngster, 20, who is having an impressive debut season for UAE Team Emirates, will be supported by fellow Slovenian Jan Polanc, as well as Portugal youngster Rui Oliveira and Italian trio Simone Consonni, Marco Marcato and Diego Ulissi.

Commenting ahead of the race, Pogacar said: “My goal is to continue to race at the same level I have since the start of the season. I am really motivated and aim to do my best.

“The Tour of Slovenia will offer three particularly challenging stages, I fancy them but I know that the competition will be high and will make for an intense race.”

Ulissi added: “I have participated in five editions of the Tour of Slovenia, winning the GC in my debut. I am pleased to return to this race after two years of absence.

“I’m coming here in good condition, so for the five days of competition I will try to help Pogacar and Polanc whilst still trying to take my own chances for a stage win.”