A big exclamation point after a historic year: Tadej Pogacar signs with UAE Team Emirates until 2030

A departure was anything but expected for Pogacar, but Thursday's extension speaks volumes: he and UAE are inseparable, and with the Slovenian as the team’s figurehead, the team is set for the coming years. Pogacar will be hunting for the record number of Tour victories, as well as a Vuelta win and triumphs in the Monuments he has yet to conquer.

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Pogacar speaks highly of his team. "I am extremely proud to be extending my time here at UAE Team Emirates. This team has been my home now the last five years and I truly can’t imagine myself anywhere else. The best moments of my career have been at UAE Team Emirates and that is a testament to all of the staff, management, teammates and partners who all allow me to perform at the highest level."

" I’m really excited for the future. This team gives me the best chance at fighting for wins and that is exactly what I aim to do." The team management is also obviously thrilled. "It’s an incredible feeling to be able to announce this contract extension for Tadej Pogacar, the leader of our team and the best cyclist in the world. Tadej joined the team as an ambitious 20-year-old, and we have watched him blossom into a Giro d’Italia and Tour de France winner, as well as World Champion this season. His talent is clear for all to see, but he is also one of the hardest working and dedicated cyclists in the peloton. Tadej deserves all of his success and I’m delighted he is staying with us for many years to come," said Mauro Gianetti.