The Slovenian champion immortalized in his iconic bow becomes a celebratory symbol during the UAE Emirates retreat. The team is the best in the world for the third year in a row
And now Tadej Pogacar has also become a golden statue, which immortalizes him in his most iconic gesture: the bow that the Slovenian made both at the finish line in Bassano del Grappa at the 2024 Giro and at the Tour de France the same year, to show his sign of respect for these two legendary races and the world of cycling. The statue was unveiled in Abu Dhabi, the base of the UAE Team Emirates-Xrg, the number one team in the world for the third consecutive year, within the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, which is located on the island of Al Hudayriat, the sports area of the Emirate. Here there is a wonderful illuminated circuit, which offers courses of different lengths and difficulties, and within it the Abu Dhabi velodrome is nearing completion, which will host the Track World Championships in 2029. The year before, the Emirates will instead host the Road World Championships.
end of season retreat
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Pogacar and his teammates are in Abu Dhabi for the traditional retreat in which they plan the next season, including visits to sponsors and advertising and marketing moments. The UAE Emirates of team principal Mauro Gianetti closed 2025 with 95 victories (absolute record) and 104 podiums, and 20 riders from the team scored. Let’s just remember the triumphs of Pogacar, who recently turned 27: third victory at the Strade Bianche, second Tour of Flanders, third Liège-Bastogne-Liège, fourth Tour de France, second World Championship in a row and fifth consecutive Tour of Lombardy, a feat that not even Fausto Coppi managed. And the women’s team, Uae-Adq, is also in Abu Dhbai, captained by Elisa Longo Borghini, winner of the Giro Women for the second year in a row. Successes celebrated with a ride attended by over 1000 enthusiasts, always starting and finishing at the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club. Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, team president, explained: “It is an incredible honor to see this team on top of the world for the third year in a row. The 2025 season has been a demonstration of excellence and resilience, and it fills us with pride to see the flag of the United Arab Emirates on the podium around the world. The popularity of cycling in our nation continues to grow, inspired by the success of this world-class team. The event on the island of Al Hudayriat showed how connected the team is to the people of the Emirate, and bringing so many cyclists together, especially young ones, to celebrate this success was truly special.”