Tested by Mechanics, Proven by Pros: SILCA's Partnership with UAE Team Emirates XRG

UAE Team Emirates XRG leads the men's professional road racing circuit as the top squad in the UCI World Team Rankings, fueled by dominant performances from the world’s top rider, Tadej Pogačar. Concurrently, the women’s team, UAE Team ADQ, mirrors this success, currently sitting atop the women's global team standings behind powerhouse leaders like Elisa Longo Borghini. And behind each team's victories is a group of dedicated master mechanics and logistical specialists. 

For decades, SILCA’s CEO, Josh Poertner, has built a legacy of helping Pro Tour teams achieve optimal performance through innovative engineering and designing products that deliver marginal gains. Now, our newest partnership with UAE Team Emirates XRG continues that tradition, pairing elite athletes with the industry’s best drivetrain and chain care products.

Interestingly, team riders Adam Yates and Pavel Sivakov sparked the relationship, having independently bought and endorsed SILCA lubricants for years. Once the team mechanics tried everything from our hot-melt Secret Chain Blend and modifiers like SpeedChip and EnduranceChip to Super Secret drip wax, their testing showed it was the best on the market, and they asked SILCA to be the team’s official lubricant partner. 

Amid World Tour season, as mechanics are in a constant cycle of prep, travel, and service, SILCA sent staff to help optimize best practices for bulk chain waxing. While in Italy, we sat down with lead mechanic Alberto Chiesa to learn more about his team, what it takes to be a Pro Tour mechanic, and how they respond to a dynamic and continually evolving professional peloton.

How long has the UAE Service Course been located in the current Milan (Magnago) space?

The Service Course has been located in its current facility in Magnago, near Milan, since 2017.

How have you adapted the space to work with the modern peloton?

We have continuously adapted the facility according to the team's evolving needs and the changes in modern professional cycling. As equipment, technology, and logistics have developed, the Service Course has evolved with them to ensure the most efficient working environment possible.

What does a normal day look like for your team of mechanics during a grand tour?

A typical day is actually quite repetitive. We wake up, check and inflate the tires, prepare the bikes, load them onto the team cars, and head to the start. During the race, we provide support from the convoy. After the stage, we travel to the hotel, wash and inspect all the bikes, prepare everything for the next day, have dinner, and get some rest before starting again.

What does it take to become a mechanic for UAE Team Emirates XRG?

Experience and passion for the job are the two most important qualities. Technical knowledge is essential, but dedication, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for cycling are what make the difference.

How many mechanics and soigneurs are on the staff?

We currently have 19 mechanics and approximately 30 soigneurs on staff.

How many bikes are prepared for each rider?

Each rider has access to at least four road bikes and three time trial bikes, including the bikes they keep at home for training.

Do the riders get any custom components or bikes?

Only the team leaders receive customized equipment and components tailored specifically to their needs and preferences.

How many vehicles do you have between buses, cars, and trucks? Which of those are in use for a single-day classic race vs a month-long grand tour?

In total, we operate 43 vehicles, including team buses, cars, and trucks. The allocation depends on the race program and the specific needs of the team at any given time. Larger events such as Grand Tours naturally require more resources than single-day races.

Who and what is inside the team cars during a race? What about the trucks - what do they carry?

Inside a team car there are usually two sports directors and one mechanic. The car carries spare wheels, bottles, musettes, ice bags, and a complete toolbox for race support.

The trucks transport spare equipment, bicycles, and all the materials required to support the team throughout the race.

For a race like this year’s Giro, how did you prepare for the dual-country logistics between Bulgaria and Italy?

For this year's Giro d'Italia, we operated with two separate teams and fleets of vehicles. One group managed the start in Bulgaria and then transferred directly to the Tour of Hungary, while a second group operated directly in Italy to support the remainder of the Giro.

How do you diagnose and track wear on components and bikes?

A large part of this process comes from experience. Our mechanics perform regular inspections and use their knowledge to identify wear patterns and determine when components need to be replaced.

What's your waxing protocol like? Is there a difference among races and key stages?

Our waxing protocol follows the process that has already been outlined. We apply the same high standard throughout the season to ensure optimal drivetrain efficiency and reliability.

How often are you applying drip vs hot melt wax to chains?

After every stage, we apply a light layer of drip wax to the chain to maintain lubrication and performance.

How do you wash a bike with a waxed chain?

We remove the chain before washing the bike to avoid contaminating it with degreasers or soap. Once the chain has been removed, the bike can be washed normally.

Does waxing save time in how you care for the bikes?

Yes. Waxing helps keep the drivetrain significantly cleaner, reducing contamination and making routine maintenance easier and more efficient.