Alpecin-Deceuninck snatches Slovenian talent Glivar from UAE Team Emirates: "Barely had room to race"

Glivar isn't a big name among cycling fans, but true cycling enthusiasts know that the young Slovenian was a strong promising rider with skills across various disciplines. "If I had to compare myself to someone, I would say I have qualities similar to Tom Pidcock," he told Bici.PRO. Why was it necessary to leave UAE Team Emirates? "It’s actually quite simple. We weren't on the same page regarding the contract. Not so much due to economic reasons, but because of the opportunities to race and improve."

In 2023, Glivar got some chances to experience racing at the highest level (with a fifth place in the CRO Race as a result), but in 2024, the puncher continued racing for the development team. There, he showed great consistency and proved to be valuable in various races. At Alpecin-Deceuninck, he will make his full-fledged debut in the WorldTour. "It was nice to race in the UAE jersey and support my teammates. Giving your all to then win a race is something special and beautiful, especially in the WorldTour. I always made myself available, but I barely had any room to race."

From Pogacar to Mathieu van der Poel: the level at his new team will also be very high. "They are the strongest riders in the world, but I’m eager to compete with them and grow. The start of the season will be a bit calmer, with races that aren’t too demanding to get the hang of everything. For the type of rider I am, there will be great opportunities, and I think I’ll be able to make the most of them, especially since there will be more space at Alpecin." His goal for 2025: to win his first professional race.

The focus on the classics suits Glivar. "I think it’s a team that is really dedicated to a certain type of race, with two or three riders standing out above the rest: Van der Poel, Jasper Philipsen and Kaden Groves. But on the other hand, there aren’t many superstars, so there is the right space for us, the young guys, to grow and get our chances." At Alpecin-Deceuninck, Glivar will be seen as the natural successor to Axel Laurance, who is moving to INEOS Grenadiers.