UAE Team Emirates doubles down on Pogačar's winning support squad with 6 contract extensions

UAE Team Emirates-XRG is building for the future and success by adding three new riders—Abel Balderstone, Marco Frigo, and Davide Stella—to its squad. But the team is also working hard to retain the riders it already has. It has signed new contracts with no fewer than six riders, ensuring that the core group surrounding Tadej Pogačar remains intact.

One of them is Vegard Stake Laengen. He’s one of the least flashy riders on UAE Team Emirates-XRG, but he’s the longest-serving. Since the team’s founding in 2017, the Norwegian has been an indispensable part of the squad. He has ridden in nine Grand Tours for the team and was part of the squad for two of Pogačar’s Tour de France victories. And at 37, he’s still going strong and will be sticking around for another year.

Felix Grossschartner also made a good impression. The Austrian climber helped Pogacar win this year’s Tour de France, as well as the 2024 Giro d’Italia. He has re-signed through 2028. The same goes for Julius Johansen. The Dane moved up from the continental circuit last year and has won no fewer than five times this year. The time trial specialist is set to stay with the team for at least two more years.

Domen Novak is staying on for another year. The Slovenian signed with his compatriot’s team in 2023 and has since become an indispensable part of Pogacar’s core group. The world champion once called him “the most underrated rider in the peloton.” We’ll see him leading the pack for quite a few early kilometers over the next three seasons.

Finally, UAE Team Emirates-XRG has contracts ready for the Oliveira twins, Rui and Ivo. The 30-year-old Portuguese riders have been racing for the team since 2019 and have shown steady improvement. Rui won a stage in the Tour of Portugal, while prologue specialist Ivo already has seven professional victories to his credit. The two sprinters, who are also top track cyclists, will remain with the team through 2029.