UAE Team Emirates has again strengthened its roster with the addition of Rune Herregodts. The 26-year-old Belgian joins from Intermarché-Wanty and has signed a two-year contract with the team of world champion Tadej Pogacar. The Flanders-born rider will primarily showcase his talents in classics and smaller stage races. On the
website of his new team, an excited Herregodts spoke about his transfer. "I'm very pleased and excited to be part of UAE Team Emirates for next season," he said. "It's one of the best teams in the world and to be there in that group of top riders with the best staff and equipment is something I'm really happy about and looking forward to. I am ready to give my maximum to grow in the team over the coming years."
Herregodts is known as a strong time trialist who also performs well on smaller hills and is skilled on cobblestones. This year, he won the opening time trial of the ZLM Tour, setting the stage for his eventual overall victory. He also won a stage in the Ruta del Sol two years ago. Cycling fans might remember him best from the first stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné, where the Belgian defended a ten-second lead against a charging peloton in the final stretch, only to be caught just ten meters from the finish line.
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Herregodts is the third signing for UAE Team Emirates
Team manager
Mauro Gianetti is thrilled to add the strong Belgian to his star-studded team. "We're very pleased to welcome Rune into the team for next season. He is a powerful rider who is now coming into his best years and we are proud to have him with us for the years to come." Herregodts is the third addition to the Emirati team, following the earlier acquisitions of
Florian Vermeersch (Lotto Dstny) and Jhonatan Narváez (INEOS Grenadiers).