UAE Team Emirates Expresses Gratitude to Tadej Pogačar for His Incredible Contributions and Success
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling prodigy, has become a household name in the world of professional cycling, not just for his extraordinary achievements but also for his unwavering loyalty to UAE Team Emirates. Since joining the team in 2019, Pogačar has risen to the top of the sport, winning multiple prestigious races and elevating the team’s status on the global stage. As UAE Team Emirates reflects on their journey together, they have expressed immense gratitude for the rider who has become the cornerstone of their success.
Pogačar’s Early Beginnings: A Rising Star
Tadej Pogačar’s cycling journey began long before his meteoric rise with UAE Team Emirates. Born in Komenda, Slovenia, in 1998, Pogačar quickly showed promise as a young cyclist. His natural talent, coupled with a fierce determination, caught the attention of several professional teams, but it was UAE Team Emirates who would secure his signature in 2019.
At the time, Pogačar was still relatively unknown outside of cycling’s inner circles. However, UAE Team Emirates’ scouts recognized his potential early on and took a chance on the young Slovenian rider. The decision would soon prove to be one of the most important in the team’s history, as Pogačar quickly began to dominate races, outpacing veterans and establishing himself as a future star of the sport.
Breakthrough Performances and Tour de France Triumphs
Pogačar’s breakthrough came in 2020 when, at the age of 21, he stunned the cycling world by winning the Tour de France, becoming the youngest rider to do so since World War II. In a dramatic final-stage time trial, Pogačar overtook fellow Slovenian Primož Roglič to claim the yellow jersey in one of the most unforgettable finishes in the history of the race. His victory was more than just a personal achievement—it cemented UAE Team Emirates as a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional cycling.
What made Pogačar’s Tour de France victory even more remarkable was his ability to win three different classifications: the overall general classification (yellow jersey), the mountains classification (polka dot jersey), and the young rider classification (white jersey). This rare feat demonstrated his all-around capabilities as a rider—he was not only a strong climber and time trialist but also a tactician who could manage the pressures of one of the world’s toughest races.
In 2021, Pogačar repeated his Tour de France success, further solidifying his place among the sport’s elite. By winning back-to-back titles, he joined an exclusive group of cyclists who have managed to win multiple Tours. UAE Team Emirates, once considered an underdog in the upper echelons of cycling, now found themselves at the forefront, largely due to Pogačar’s brilliance.
UAE Team Emirates: Building Around a Star
With Pogačar’s rise, UAE Team Emirates began to build their team strategy around their young star. The team’s management, led by Mauro Gianetti and Joxean Matxin Fernández, understood that Pogačar had the potential to lead them to long-term success, not only in the Tour de France but in other World Tour events as well. His versatility allowed the team to aim for victories in one-day classics, stage races, and grand tours alike.
UAE Team Emirates invested heavily in supporting Pogačar, bringing in experienced riders and specialists to help him during races. Domestiques, such as Marc Hirschi and Davide Formolo, were brought in to shield Pogačar in critical moments, allowing him to save energy for crucial climbs and time trials. The team also invested in cutting-edge equipment and sports science, ensuring that Pogačar had every advantage available in his pursuit of victory.
Pogačar’s humility and team-first mentality have also endeared him to his teammates. Despite his rapid ascent to stardom, he has remained grounded and grateful for the support of those around him. This attitude has helped foster a positive team environment, where every rider is committed to the collective goal of success, whether that means working for Pogačar or stepping into leadership roles when needed.
A Multifaceted Champion: Wins Beyond the Tour
While Pogačar’s Tour de France victories have garnered the most attention, his success with UAE Team Emirates extends far beyond the famed French race. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to win across a wide range of races and terrains, further proving his versatility as a rider.
In 2021, Pogačar won his first monument, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, with a well-timed sprint finish against some of the world’s best classic specialists. His victory in this prestigious one-day race showcased his tactical acumen and ability to handle high-pressure situations. Later that year, he added another monument to his palmarès by winning the Giro di Lombardia, cementing his status as a threat in both grand tours and classics alike.
The 2022 and 2023 seasons saw Pogačar continue to dominate the World Tour circuit. In addition to podium finishes in the Tour de France, he won several stage races, including the UAE Tour, Tirreno-Adriatico, and the Tour of Slovenia. These victories not only boosted his personal résumé but also elevated UAE Team Emirates’ profile, further solidifying their status as one of the most competitive teams in the peloton.
Gratitude from UAE Team Emirates: A Mutual Bond
UAE Team Emirates’ gratitude toward Pogačar goes beyond his race victories. His presence has fundamentally transformed the team’s trajectory. Once viewed as a mid-tier team, UAE Team Emirates is now a powerhouse in professional cycling, capable of competing with—and defeating—the likes of Ineos Grenadiers, Jumbo-Visma, and Movistar.
Team CEO Mauro Gianetti has often spoken about Pogačar’s contributions, not just as a cyclist, but as a leader and ambassador for the team. “Tadej has brought a new level of success to our organization,” Gianetti said in an interview. “His professionalism, his humility, and his incredible talent have inspired everyone, from the riders to the staff. We are incredibly fortunate to have him as part of UAE Team Emirates.”
Joxean Matxin Fernández, the team’s sporting director, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Pogačar’s role in reshaping the team’s identity. “Tadej has given us belief that anything is possible. He’s a rider who not only wins but lifts everyone around him. His presence makes us better as a team.”
The UAE leadership, including the team’s main sponsor Emirates airline, has also expressed their gratitude for Pogačar’s success, recognizing the positive impact he has had on the team’s global visibility. With Pogačar at the forefront, UAE Team Emirates has become a key figure in promoting the UAE’s vision of excellence and success in international sports.
The Future: Continuing the Legacy
At just 25 years old, Tadej Pogačar’s career is still in its early stages, and both he and UAE Team Emirates have much to look forward to. The team’s investment in young talent and Pogačar’s continued development suggest that their partnership will remain a dominant force in professional cycling for years to come.
Looking ahead, Pogačar has expressed his desire to continue striving for greatness, targeting more Tour de France titles, as well as victories in other grand tours, monuments, and stage races. UAE Team Emirates has pledged their full support, ensuring that their roster and infrastructure will continue to evolve to meet the demands of modern professional cycling.
The bond between Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates appears unbreakable. It’s a relationship built on mutual respect, shared goals, and an unrelenting pursuit of success. As Pogačar continues to make his mark on the sport, UAE Team Emirates will stand alongside him, grateful for the contributions he has made and eager to see what the future holds.
Tadej Pogačar’s time with UAE Team Emirates has been nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to dominate races, combined with his humble nature and team-first mentality, has transformed both his career and the fortunes of UAE Team Emirates. As they express their gratitude for Pogačar’s incredible contributions and success, the team is poised to continue their winning ways with the Slovenian star leading the charge.
For UAE Team Emirates, Pogačar is not just a rider; he’s the embodiment of their ambitions and the symbol of their growth on the world stage. Together, they have created a legacy of excellence, and there is no doubt that the future holds even greater accomplishments for both the rider and the team.
