Big boost for Pogačar before the Tour: UAE extend with 'one of the most valuable riders in the peloton'

UAE Team Emirates-XRG has extended Jhonatan Narváez’s contract through the end of 2029. The Emirati team announced this on Tuesday in a press release. Tadej Pogacar's team secures the services of not only a major talent in the Ecuadorian rider, but one who is on something of a hot streak.

"After joining the Emirati team ahead of the 2025 season, Narváez quickly emerged as one of the most versatile and valuable riders in the peloton," his team said in a glowing assessment of him. In the Tour Down Under, his first official race for his new team, he immediately claimed both a stage victory and the overall title.

Also worth noting: the fantastic work the Ecuadorian rider put in during Pogacar’s Tour de France victory last year. This year, however, his performance was initially a bit less impressive, following a hard crash in that same Tour Down Under. It wasn’t until the Giro that Narváez returned to action. And what a comeback it was!

The strong rider from Ecuador won no fewer than three stages, although he was later forced to withdraw. He also recently secured that impressive stage victory in the Tour de Suisse. “The 29-year-old’s contract extension is an important step in UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s long-term project and secures one of the most dynamic cyclists of his generation at the peak of his career,” his team announced.

Narváez himself was very happy. “From the moment I arrived here, I felt the team’s trust, and I quickly knew this was the right place for me. We have a fantastic group of riders and staff, and every day there’s a tremendous drive to improve together and win.”

"The past two seasons have been among the best of my career, and I believe I can continue to grow here. We’ve already achieved a lot together, but I think there’s much more to come. I look forward to continuing this journey and contributing to this team’s success in the years ahead,” said the rider from Ecuador.