UAE keeps core intact by extending key rider Wellens; Dutch talent Dijkman joins development squad

Wellens joined the Emirates team in 2023, after no less than 10 years with Lotto. After becoming a crucial player on the classics team, he also proved himself a great climbing domestique: the 34-year-old all-rounder helped Pogacar win his last two Tour de France victories. It is therefore not surprising that the team wants to keep him on for longer, and that wish is coming true: Wellens has signed a contract until 2027.

This means the Belgian will continue until at least age 36. But leaving UAE Team Emirates - XRG was never really an option for him. “It was a straightforward decision for me to continue with UAE Team Emirates-XRG,” he says on the team's website. "feel truly appreciated within the team, and I also appreciate everything the team does for me."

This year, Wellens became Belgian champion and won the 15th stage of the Tour. He also stood on the podium at Strade Bianche. “I'm honoured and proud to spend more years with the best team in the world, surrounded by the best people – not only the riders but all the staff as well. Here, I’ve found the perfect balance between supporting the team and riding for others, while still having my own opportunities.”

In addition to Wellens, UAE Team Emirates - XRG is extending its partnership with Vegard Stake Laengen and Julius Johansen. The latter, a Dane, joined the team this summer from the continental Sabgal / Anicolor and will get an extra year to prove himself. He was given opportunities mainly in smaller races, such as the Tour of Denmark, but also the Tour of Switzerland.

Laengen is the most experienced rider on the team: at 36, he not only has invaluable experience, but he has also been with the team the longest. When UAE Team Emirates took over from Lampre in 2017, the Norwegian was already there. Since then, he has competed in nine Grand Tours, including six Tours de France. He will continue for at least another year.

In addition to extending several elite contracts, UAE Team Emirates - XRG also announced its development team for next year. Like this year, the Gen Z team consists of 13 names, but a lot of new guys have joined. The familiar names are Mohammad Almutaiwei, Ugo Fabries, Marcos Freire, Luca Giaimi, Abdulla Jasim Al-Ali, Mateo Ramírez, Enea Sambinello, and Davide Stella.

Five names have been added: Austrian Heimo Fugger, Spaniard Jaime Torres (brother of UAE rider Pablo Torres), German Moritz Mauss, Belgian Matteo Vanden Wijngaert, and... Dutchman Daan Dijkman! The 18-year-old talent is leaving Willebrord Wil Vooruit for one of the world's best development teams.

Dijkman made a great impression on the junior and U23 circuit this season, winning the Austrian Junior Rundfahrt, among other races. At the European Championships in France, he was one of the best climbers, but ultimately just missed out on a podium place, finishing fifth. There, he was already riding a Colnago, from UAE Team Emirates - XRG...