Tadej Pogačar Extends Contract With UAE Team Emirates Until 2030

UAE Team Emirates, the newly named UCI World Tour Best Team for 2024, announced that World Champion Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar has extended his contract with the team until 2030.

The 26-year-old cyclist joined UAE Team Emirates in 2019 and has had an impressive career. He has achieved 88 wins across General Classifications, Stage Racing, and One-Day Classics, showcasing his talent and commitment to various racing formats.

"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," Pogačar was quoted as saying by WAM.

"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.

Pogačar, who was named UCI World Tour Best Rider for the fourth year in a row, had a remarkable 2024 season. He won the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, along with important one-day races like Strade Bianche, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Il Lombardia.

He also became the UCI World Champion after an outstanding performance in Zurich.

Pogačar's triple crown of wins at the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, and World Championships hasn't been accomplished by any rider since Stephen Roche in 1987. His 25 victories in just 58 days of racing set a new record for a single season, which has never been seen before in professional cycling.

Mauro Gianetti, Team Principal and CEO of UAE Team Emirates, expressed his excitement about Pogačar's contract extension, describing him the leader of the team and the best cyclist in the world.

Pogačar joined the team as an ambitious 20-year-old and has grown into a Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, and World Champion this season.

Gianetti noted that Pogačar's talent is obvious, but he is also one of the peloton's hardest-working and most dedicated cyclists. He believes Pogačar deserves all his success and is thrilled about having him with the team for many more years.

"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," said Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, President of UAE Team Emirates.

Al Dhaheri called Pogačar a "beacon of inspiration for the next generation," adding that he is idolised and loved by 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," he added.