UAE Team Emirates found a way to keep everyone happy: "I can also race for my own chances"

UAE Team Emirates recently unveiled its plans for the new season. The most notable highlight? Tadej Pogacar’s extensive spring campaign. During the team’s media days, much of the focus was naturally on this announcement, but the team has also added several promising reinforcements, many from smaller squads. One of these new signings is Belgian time trial specialist Rune Herregodts.

Herregodts spoke to Sporza about his transfer and his role within the new team. What will the time trial specialist's responsibilities be? He’s already looking forward to racing alongside Pogacar. "The first time I met him here, it felt a bit special. But after a few interactions, he’s just one of the guys. Still, lining up at the start of a race with Tadej will be special because you know he has a big chance to win that race."

Read more below the photo.

Herregodts in white in the 2023 Dauphiné

Herregodts found the decision to leave Intermarché-Wanty tough

Herregodts is particularly impressed by how well-organized everything is at UAE Team Emirates. "Every week, I’m presented with something new in terms of equipment. The nutritionists and trainers are also very well-organized here." Much of this is made possible by the team’s budget. "At Intermarché-Wanty, they had to carefully consider whether or not to invest in something. They did an excellent job with what they had, but at UAE, those decisions are much less of a concern. That’s a big difference."

As for the transfer and his new role, Herregodts explained that he had known for a while that the move was in the works. "Even before 2024, I had already been in contact with UAE manager Joxean Matxin. The first serious conversations took place during the Tour de France. I had a great time at Intermarché-Wanty and didn’t necessarily feel the need to leave. So I really had to think about UAE’s offer." Which he did. "An opportunity like this doesn’t come around every year, so I decided to go for it."

Like with many other riders, UAE ensures that everyone has the opportunity to ride for their own chances as well, something team manager Joxean Matxin also confirmed. "We believe Rune can develop into a rider like Mikkel Bjerg. This means he’ll be able to focus on his time trials and play an important role for the team in various other races." This prospect appealed to Herregodts. "In races that are not top-tier, I’ll also get the chance to race for my own results now and then. If my legs are good, of course." His first opportunity to support team leader 0Pogacar will come in the UAE Tour.

Read also

"New super team" XDS Astana has no room for Cavendish in management: "He didn’t want to just be an ambassador"

The world turned upside down: UAE's new prodigy wants to gain weight to become the Swiss Pogacar

🎥 Armstrong hits back at Jake Paul: "I’ve gotten so many questions about this little b*tch Jake Paul"

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get every week the latest news about CYCLING in your inbox!

Subscribe