UAE manager Matxin reveals two races Tadej Pogacar will definitely target in 2026

“We didn't reach 100, but we were close; we achieved the record. To be honest, I've never experienced anything like this before. The numbers are impressive, but what I appreciate most is the way we achieved it,” says the sporting manager of the Emirates team proudly.

20 different riders achieved those 95 victories. “The most important thing is to give everyone space,” explains Matxin, whose team is sometimes criticized for the fact that riders go for their own chances. “We stick to our criteria and the rules. There are good and bad moments, but everyone knows what is expected of them. That way, every rider knows where he is going and what he has to do.”

“Managing so many top riders and so many egos requires clarity. Everyone knows their role, when they have freedom and when they have to work for the team. The secret is to keep your word and enjoy collective success,” explains the Spaniard, who is currently in Dubai with his team.

The big winner, of course, was world champion and Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar. “Working with Pogacar is very easy. He makes it easy for us. He is a leader who listens, enjoys, and inspires. He is living history in cycling, and we should enjoy him.”

“He has been the best rider in the world for five years in a row. He is a unique case. He has talent, hunger, and the ability to reinvent himself every season, which makes him unique,” said Matxin, who also had kind words for Del Toro. “He is intelligent, modest, and a hard worker. He has enormous potential. There's no rush, but his presence broadens our possibilities in many races.“

UAE Emirates-XRG will not rest on its laurels in the run-up to 2026, Matxin assures us. ”We want to keep growing. Winning is great, but the most important thing is how you win. It is our duty not to lose our passion."

“When you realize that you've been the best team in the world, you also realize that many people are following your example. They know how you race, when you attack, what you're looking for. And that forces you to evolve. More and more teams are understanding how we work,” he says.

Finally, he revealed something about Pogacar's plans for the coming year, with the first two races scheduled for him. “Basically, the Tour and the World Championships. That's what's planned. We'll see what happens after that," says Matxin, who will announce his team leader's final program in December.