Tadej Pogačar: UAE Team Emirates and a Vision to 2030
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian sensation who took the world of professional cycling by storm, is on a trajectory to spend the entirety of his illustrious career with UAE Team Emirates. Already a two-time Tour de France champion by the age of 24, Pogačar has repeatedly demonstrated his unmatched talent on the world stage. With multiple contract renewals and long-term deals already inked, the latest extension could potentially see him remain with the team until 2030. Such a move would further cement both his legacy in the sport and his loyalty to the team that has supported his meteoric rise.
Pogačar’s ascent into cycling greatness began early in his career, capturing the attention of the world in 2020 when he won his first Tour de France in a stunning upset over fellow Slovenian Primož Roglič. At just 21 years old, Pogačar became the youngest winner of the Tour in over a century. His win was no fluke, as he returned the following year in 2021 to claim a second consecutive title, showcasing his ability to dominate on both mountain stages and time trials.
What has set Pogačar apart from other riders is his versatility. He has excelled in a variety of race formats—Grand Tours, one-day Classics, and stage races—making him a well-rounded champion. While his triumphs in the Tour de France earned him global fame, Pogačar’s victories in races like Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Il Lombardia further demonstrate his comprehensive skillset.
From the outset, UAE Team Emirates recognized Pogačar’s extraordinary talent, signing him to their squad in 2019. The relationship between rider and team has proven to be a perfect fit. With substantial financial backing, state-of-the-art training facilities, and a commitment to developing young talent, UAE Team Emirates has provided Pogačar with the platform to excel. The team’s focus on giving him the necessary support—through well-planned training camps, advanced technology, and expert coaching—has allowed him to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Since joining UAE Team Emirates, Pogačar has become the team’s figurehead. He’s proven to be not just an extraordinary individual talent, but also a rider who can galvanize his team to achieve collective success. His leadership, combined with his humility and professionalism, has made him a respected figure both within the peloton and among his peers.
The recent news that Pogačar may extend his contract with UAE Team Emirates until 2030 is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is rare in modern professional cycling to see such long-term deals, as the sport is often characterized by short-term contracts and transfers. A contract of this length signifies both a high level of trust between Pogačar and the team, as well as a shared vision for the future.
The potential deal to 2030 represents a mutual commitment to continued dominance in the sport. For Pogačar, it means having a stable environment where he can focus on furthering his career without the distraction of contract negotiations or potential team transfers. For UAE Team Emirates, securing the services of one of the world’s most promising cyclists for nearly another decade guarantees their relevance and competitiveness in the sport’s most prestigious events.
It is worth noting that this potential extension would see Pogačar spend his prime years—and quite possibly the entirety of his career—with one team. In the context of professional cycling, this is a rare occurrence, as many top riders change teams in pursuit of different opportunities or more favorable financial conditions. However, for Pogačar, the relationship with UAE Team Emirates goes beyond financial incentives; it is about shared goals, trust, and a vision for sustained excellence.
With this long-term commitment, the focus will inevitably turn to what Pogačar could achieve by the time his potential contract concludes in 2030. Having already accomplished what many cyclists only dream of, Pogačar could be setting his sights on even more ambitious goals. Winning multiple Grand Tours, including the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España, could be within his reach, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats.
Moreover, with the continued advancement of his skills in one-day races, Pogačar may look to add even more Monument victories to his resume, challenging some of the records set by the likes of Eddy Merckx and other legends of the sport. By 2030, Pogačar may well have redefined the modern era of cycling, not just with his sheer number of wins, but also with the way he races—bold, aggressive, and seemingly without limits.
While victories are the most visible markers of success, Pogačar’s influence on the sport goes beyond the races he has won. He represents the new generation of cyclists, marked by a strong work ethic, humility, and a commitment to the team. Pogačar’s leadership style—quiet, but effective—has already had a profound impact on the cycling community. His decision to stay with UAE Team Emirates for the long term could inspire other young cyclists to prioritize loyalty, development, and team culture over short-term gains.
Moreover, his dedication to cycling has already made him a hero in his home country of Slovenia. Pogačar’s success has contributed to the country’s growing reputation as a cycling powerhouse, alongside fellow Slovenian stars like Primož Roglič and Matej Mohorič. His commitment to UAE Team Emirates could also serve as an example to future Slovenian riders about the value of finding the right fit with a team and fostering long-term relationships in the sport.
The potential contract extension to 2030 sets the stage for an exciting future in cycling, both for Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates. Together, they have already achieved incredible success, but there is a sense that the best may still be to come. The next few years will undoubtedly be crucial as Pogačar continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in professional cycling.
As the years pass and the 2030 horizon approaches, fans and competitors alike will watch with anticipation as Pogačar aims to further his legacy. The partnership between rider and team is already one of the strongest in modern cycling, and if the past is any indicator, the future holds the promise of more glory, innovation, and history-making moments.
For Tadej Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates, the journey together seems destined for even greater heights. If this long-term vision is realized, both Pogačar’s name and the UAE Team Emirates brand will be remembered as one of the most successful partnerships in cycling history—an era of dominance stretching from his first Tour de France triumph all the way to 2030, and perhaps beyond.
