In 2023, UAE Team Emirates has been on a historic tear, rapidly closing in on an all-time record held by HTC-Highroad for the most wins in a single season. With just five victories separating them from surpassing the legendary team’s milestone, UAE Team Emirates is poised to rewrite the history books. The team’s dominance this season has been nothing short of remarkable, with victories across all types of races—from Grand Tours to one-day classics. As they approach the closing stages of the year, the pressure is on to see if they can break HTC’s record, which has stood unchallenged for over a decade.
HTC-Highroad, which existed from 2008 to 2011 under various sponsorship names, was one of the most dominant teams in cycling’s modern era. Their 2011 season saw them secure an incredible 56 victories, a mark that many thought might never be broken. Led by sprinting powerhouse Mark Cavendish and featuring a well-rounded roster of top-tier talent, HTC’s record became the gold standard of dominance. But now, UAE Team Emirates, spearheaded by stars like Tadej Pogacar and Juan Ayuso, is closing in on that lofty achievement. With only five wins remaining to match HTC’s total, they stand on the brink of making history.
UAE Team Emirates’ 2023 Campaign: A Season of Domination
UAE Team Emirates’ success this year can be attributed to a combination of factors, including stellar individual performances, tactical brilliance, and a well-rounded squad capable of winning in every type of race. The team has shown strength not only in the marquee events like the Tour de France but also in smaller, less-publicized races, where every victory counts toward the record.
At the heart of the team’s incredible run has been Tadej Pogacar, arguably the most talented and versatile rider in the world today. Pogacar’s ability to win on any terrain—from high mountain stages to time trials, and even in one-day races—has been a cornerstone of UAE Team Emirates’ success. His victories in prestigious races like the Tour of Flanders and Il Lombardia, coupled with his consistent performances in stage races, have added significantly to the team’s win tally.
But Pogacar isn’t the only rider contributing to the record chase. Young talents like Juan Ayuso and João Almeida have come into their own, each contributing crucial wins throughout the season. Meanwhile, sprinters like Matteo Trentin and Fernando Gaviria have racked up victories in the flat stages, while the team’s climbers have dominated the mountains. With a deep, multi-talented roster, UAE Team Emirates has been a force to be reckoned with across the entire calendar.
The Importance of Breaking HTC’s Record
The record for most wins in a season isn’t just about numbers; it’s about legacy. HTC-Highroad, though only in existence for a few short years, left an indelible mark on cycling history. Their ability to dominate sprints with Cavendish, along with their strength in time trials and stage races, made them one of the most complete teams in the modern era. Their record of 56 wins in a single season, set in 2011, was seen as a culmination of years of meticulous planning, expert race strategy, and exceptional rider performances.
For UAE Team Emirates, breaking this record would solidify their status as the premier cycling team of the modern era. Over the past few years, they have steadily built a roster capable of winning the biggest races on the calendar, and 2023 has been a testament to their growing dominance. A new record would be the crowning achievement of a team that has redefined success across different types of races and terrain.
Additionally, surpassing HTC’s record would send a clear message to their rivals: UAE Team Emirates is the team to beat. With several years of success already under their belt, setting a new all-time win record would further establish their position as the dominant force in world cycling.
The Final Races of 2023: Where UAE Team Emirates Can Make History
With only a few races remaining in the 2023 calendar, UAE Team Emirates is laser-focused on those final victories that could push them past HTC-Highroad’s record. Here are the key races left in the season where UAE could potentially secure the wins they need:
1. **Il Lombardia**
One of the five Monuments of cycling, Il Lombardia is a race that holds significant prestige. Known as the “Race of the Falling Leaves,” it is also one of the final major events on the cycling calendar. UAE Team Emirates will be fielding a strong lineup, including Tadej Pogacar, who has already won the race twice (2021, 2022). A third victory here for Pogacar would be historic in its own right and could also inch the team closer to breaking the record. Given Pogacar’s incredible form in one-day races, UAE will enter Il Lombardia as one of the favorites.
2. **Tour de Guangxi**
The Tour of Guangxi is one of the last stage races of the season, taking place in China. While not as prestigious as the Grand Tours or the Monuments, it still offers a valuable opportunity for UAE Team Emirates to pick up additional wins. The race usually attracts a strong sprinter’s field, and UAE’s sprinters will be eager to capitalize on the flat stages. With Matteo Trentin or possibly Fernando Gaviria leading the charge, the team has a good chance of bagging multiple stage wins here.
3. **Paris-Tours**
The final European one-day classic of the year, Paris-Tours, provides another chance for UAE Team Emirates to grab a victory. The race often favors punchy riders or sprinters who can handle the tough finishing circuits. With a roster that includes riders like Diego Ulissi and Alexander Kristoff, UAE has a legitimate shot at taking the top step of the podium in this race. A win here could bring the team even closer to matching or surpassing HTC’s total.
4. **National Championships**
Though most national championships take place earlier in the year, a few countries still have races remaining in their calendar. These smaller, less-publicized events can provide valuable opportunities for UAE Team Emirates riders to notch up additional wins. Whether it’s in time trials or road races, the national championships represent a chance for the team to inch closer to the record, even in less glamorous settings.
5. **Smaller Italian Classics**
In addition to the high-profile events like Il Lombardia, there are several smaller Italian one-day races still on the calendar. These races, such as the Giro del Veneto and Gran Piemonte, offer another opportunity for UAE Team Emirates to pick up key wins. These late-season races often feature smaller, more fatigued fields, giving UAE a chance to flex its depth and add to their victory total.
The Role of Tactics and Teamwork in UAE’s Success
One of the defining characteristics of UAE Team Emirates this season has been their exceptional teamwork. While Pogacar has understandably grabbed most of the headlines, it’s the collective strength of the team that has propelled them toward this historic achievement. UAE has developed into one of the most tactically astute teams in the peloton, capable of controlling races, protecting their leaders, and seizing opportunities in the closing stages.
In stage races, their support for climbers like Pogacar and Almeida has been exemplary, with riders like Brandon McNulty and Rafal Majka sacrificing their own ambitions to help their leaders. Meanwhile, the team’s sprinters have thrived thanks to expert lead-out trains and intelligent positioning in chaotic finales. This cohesion has allowed UAE to dominate across different types of races, from the Grand Tours to the one-day classics.
What Breaking the Record Would Mean for UAE Team Emirates
If UAE Team Emirates can secure those five remaining wins, they will not only break HTC-Highroad’s record but also cement their place in cycling history. It would be a testament to the depth, versatility, and sheer dominance of a team that has rapidly ascended to the top of the sport. In an era where competition is fiercer than ever, breaking a record that has stood for over a decade would be an extraordinary achievement.
For riders like Pogacar, who is still in the prime of his career, this could also be the beginning of a new dynasty in cycling. With a team built around him and a roster filled with talent in every discipline, UAE Team Emirates shows no signs of slowing down. If they can break the record in 2023, it’s likely they’ll continue to be a dominant force for years to come.
As UAE Team Emirates closes in on HTC-Highroad’s all-time win record, the cycling world watches with bated breath. With only five victories separating them from history, the remaining races of the season carry immense significance. From Il Lombardia to the Tour of Guangxi, UAE has a range of opportunities to secure those final wins. If they succeed, they will not only break a long-standing record but also establish themselves as one of the greatest cycling teams of all time. Whether they achieve this feat or not, 2023 has already been a landmark season for UAE Team Emirates, and their pursuit of greatness will continue to inspire fans and riders alike.
