Abu Dhabi: Tadej Pogacar has confirmed to stay with UAE Team Emirates until 2030. The Slovenian cyclist joined the UAE team in 2019 and this renewal meant he would reach a whopping 12 seasons with the same team.
“Pogacar will stay with UAE Team Emirates until 2030”, Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, President, UAE Team Emirates, told reporters during a celebration after a remarkable 2024.
Pogacar enjoyed a brilliant season this year, becoming the first man since 1998 to win both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France in a single summer before sealing the audacious World Championship triumph in Switzerland last month.
The 26-year-old Slovenian won the 273km race around Zurich in a time of 6hr 27min 30sec, with Australia's Ben O'Connor at 34sec and Dutch one-day specialist Mathieu van der Poel in third at 58sec.
Pogačar said: “I am extremely proud to be extending my time here at UAE Team Emirates. This team has been my home now the last five years and I truly can’t imagine myself anywhere else.
"The best moments of my career have come at UAE Team Emirates and that is a testament to all of the staff, management, teammates, and partners who all allow me to perform at the highest level. I’m really excited for the future. This team gives me the best chance at fighting for wins and that is exactly what I aim to do,” he added.
'Incredible feeling'
Mauro Gianetti, Team Principle and CEO of UAE Team Emirates, said, “It’s an incredible feeling to be able to announce this contract extension for Tadej Pogacar, the leader of our team and the best cyclist in the world. Tadej joined the team as an ambitious 20-year-old, and we have watched him blossom into a Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and World Champion this season. His talent is clear for all to see, but he is also one of the hardest working and dedicated cyclists in the peloton. Tadej deserves all of his success and I’m delighted he is staying with us for many years to come.”
Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, President of UAE Team Emirates, said, “This is a special moment for the team and for cycling here in the UAE. Tadej is an incredible talent that represents the UAE so amazingly. He is a beacon of inspiration for the next generation, and is idolized and loved by so many.
"It has been a privilege watching him develop into the person he is today, and I couldn’t be prouder of what he’s accomplished for our team. As we continue to see our sport go from strength to strength across the region, there is no question that Tadej, alongside his teammates, are a massive reason for this. It’s a special day for cycling and we are so excited for the future.”
