UAE Team Emirates has signed top talent Pablo Torres for six years. The 18-year-old talented tour rider will turn pro next season and will stay with the multi-million dollar formation until 2030. The team also announced Marc Soler's contract extension.
Torres is already very familiar with the UAE's structure. For example, he raced with the UAE Gen Z Development Team this season. As a first-year U23, the young Spaniard achieved excellent results. For instance, he finished second in the GC in both the Giro Next Gen and the Tour de l'Avenir. Especially in the latter race, he was remarkable in winning two mountain stages. Especially the second one caught his imagination. Thus, with a lead of almost four minutes on the number two, he won the stage with arrival on the mythical Colle Finestre. For the overall victory, he came just 12 seconds short. That was due to a coup by the Dutch and overall winner Joseph Blackmore in the second-to-last stage. Torres then lost almost five minutes. That he almost closed that immense gap says enough about his extraordinary talent.
"For me, I dream of being part of the UAE Team Emirates WorldTour team. I am very excited and enthusiastic to continue growing surrounded by the same people, in the best team in the world and alongside the best professionals," said a thrilled Torres in a message from the team. "The support I have received this year has been spectacular, both from the staff and the riders, and I am happy to be part of the team until 2030," Torres feels. The next few years are already dedicated to development. "I have worked hard to make this big step, but this has only just begun, and there is still a lot of work to do to show the best of myself to the team. I am grateful for their support and trust in me from day one."
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Soler has become a key figure within the team and is also good for a nice win every year. He will ride for the team from the Emirates for at least the next three years. "I am delighted to continue with UAE Team Emirates and grateful for their trust in me. In this team, I balance personal ambitions and assisting my teammates, depending on their race; it's a mix I enjoy. The team is experiencing a good period now, and it feels like a family environment at every race. I want to continue at the highest level in the coming years and help the team win many races along the way," Soler said of his contract extension.
Team boss Mauro Gianetti also spoke about both Torres and Soler. "We remain a team dedicated to developing the talents of the future, and we believe Pablo Torres is a rider with the qualities to make the next step on the World Tour. He is a young rider, and the focus will be on his development as a rider and person, which is very important." Regarding Soler, Gianetti said, "He is a rider with a lot of experience and has been a key figure in recent years. We feel Marc can continue to show us his high level."