UAE manager names 3 riders Tadej Pogačar should be wary of in the future: 'So the competition doesn’t catch up to us'

Joxean “Matxin” Fernandez saw his team leader, Tadej Pogačar, drop out of the Vuelta a España, but was nonetheless able to announce that the Slovenian will remain with the team through 2032 at the very least. However, Pogačar will not race in 2026. UAE Emirates-XRG announced both pieces of news at the same time on Saturday.

"This is an important moment, because we're not riding the Grand Tour we had hoped for. In difficult times, good news is always refreshing—especially when the world’s best cyclist continues to make history with the world’s best team. The fact that this bond is being strengthened with a contract through 2032 means a lot to both parties,” Matxin told Eurosport.

"It says a lot about our bond, the appreciation, the commitment, and above all, the work he's put in since he started in professional cycling," continues the Spaniard, who, along with his team, is quashing rumors that Pogačar is getting tired of racing. “It might not be the best idea to say this on television, but you shouldn’t believe everything you read in the press!”

"No, seriously, the bond with Tadej is rock-solid. That goes for his teammates, the team, and the staff. Personally, I’m grateful to him not only on a professional level—which goes without saying—but especially on a personal level. Tadej has been at his best this year. I’m not talking about results, but about his attitude, his behavior, and who he is as a person. He borders on perfection, both as a person and as a cyclist. We should let his list of achievements speak for itself,” he says.

So what else do UAE Emirates-XRG and Pogačar hope to achieve together? “Hopefully, he’ll remain the best in the world and an international figurehead. Of course, new riders are coming up, such as Isaac del Toro, Juan Ayuso, and Paul Seixas,” he says, naming three riders he believes will make their mark.

“And there will be even more to follow. We have to stay focused, hold onto our ambition, and keep working hard so the competition doesn’t catch up to us.”

"Tadej doesn't feel any pressure; he has the luxury of simply being a natural-born talent for cycling. He's doing it perfectly. We're lucky to be experiencing this alongside him. As a cycling fan, I always say, ‘I’ve seen Tadej Pogačar ride,’ he notes.

In any case, we won't be seeing Pogacar anymore in 2026. "There are good times and bad times. You have to ride out the bad times; they sometimes last a little longer, but they pass. And when the good times return, he'll be even more hungry to win."