UAE Emirates-XRG pulled out all the stops to bag 'exceptional climber' as future support for Pogačar
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Follow us on GoogleIf reports from the Czech Republic are to be believed, UAE Emirates-XRG has signed a potential new star in Václav Ježek. The 21-year-old rider competed for Kasper crypto4me in 2026, where he impressed in multiple disciplines. UAE Emirates-XRG, where Ježek will start out on the development team, didn’t even have to dig too deep into its pockets.
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Tadej Pogacar and Isaac del Toro
Joxean Matxin and Mauro Gianetti played a key role in Ježek’s arrival, according to his agent František Raboň in an interview with Idnes.
The Spanish sports director at UAE has frequently demonstrated decisiveness when it comes to top talent in recent years, and this time was no exception. His overall victory in the Tour of Greece in May proved to be the catalyst.
"After Greece, UAE reached out to CEO Gianetti and Matxin," is what we’re hearing. And that’s striking, because the two normally leave the scouting to others. They only get directly involved in top-tier transfers. So Ježek was high on the wish list.
"From the very beginning, they spoke highly of him and highlighted the performance he could deliver in the third and fourth hours of a race."
Ježek joins the UAE Emirates-XRG development team
Ježek was wildly enthusiastic, but his agent kept him grounded, even when a deal was being negotiated with Gianetti and Matxin. UAE explained that Ježek is expected to become a top climber on the team.
“Given his background in cyclocross, it’s hard to believe he could be such an exceptional climber. UAE even wanted to move him straight into the WorldTour core.”
Ježek, however, is taking it easy and will first take his time getting used to his new surroundings at UAE Team Emirates Gen Z.
He also signed a one-year contract to see if the team lives up to its promises. This means that Ježek will have the opportunity to ride with the WorldTour team for about half of his race schedule.
"UAE is fully confident that he will secure a contract in 2027 that covers the years beyond. They view him as an immense talent and a diamond in the rough," said the agent, who emphasised that riders on the development team all receive the same salary.
Ježek reached an agreement after two weeks and signed on, partly because Gianetti and Matxin remained closely involved throughout the entire process.
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UAE Emirates-XRG proved its reputation as a talent scout
And that commitment was the deciding factor—much more so than money.
“Many teams complain that UAE has a big budget and can sign whoever they want. On the contrary; UAE has actually shown a proactive approach and actively seeks out talented riders, including lesser-known ones. They could easily have waited another year and poached him from another team, but they want to develop him themselves.”- František Raboň, Václav Ježek's agent
His Belgian coach, Pieter Timmermans —the man who took Ježek under his wing a year ago—is also delighted. Together, they’ve made great strides.
“The move to UAE Gen Z is a smart choice. He didn’t go for the most financially attractive offer or the one that drew the most media attention. He could easily have signed a two-year contract with a World Tour team.”
David Bavin-HobbsChief Editor
David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.
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