UAE Team Emirates-XRG have firmly established their dominance in professional cycling, securing the UCI World No. 1 team ranking for the fourth season in a row. This achievement follows a stellar 2026 campaign during which the squad recorded 78 victories and 82 additional podium finishes, building on their consistent performance throughout 2023, 2024, and 2025. Alongside Pogačar’s achievements, Isaac Del Toro enjoyed a standout season, establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in professional cycling. The achievement provided another defining moment in a campaign that showcased the quality and versatility of the squad.
The team’s success was defined by remarkable depth, with 19 distinct riders contributing to the season’s total victory count. Leading the charge, UCI World No. 1 cyclist Tadej Pogačar delivered an exceptional performance, netting 22 victories including three prestigious Monuments and a record-equalling Tour de France title. Further cementing his position among the greatest cyclists in the sport’s history, his season was highlighted by a record-equalling Tour de France title. Growing alongside the organisation and achieving some of the greatest successes in the history of the sport, pogacar has been an integral part of the team since joining in 2019.
Emerging talent also played a critical role in the team’s historic year.
Mexican rider Isaac Del Toro solidified his reputation by securing a memorable victory at the UAE Tour, winning stage races at Tirreno-Adriatic and the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and claiming the White Jersey as the best young rider at the Tour de France.
Meanwhile, American rider Brandon McNulty secured the rainbow jersey for the third straight year for the team after his triumph at the UCI Road World Championships in Montréal.
Team Principal and CEO Mauro Gianetti expressed immense pride in the collective effort, noting that the ranking is a testament to the dedication of the riders, staff, and partners. He emphasized the team’s commitment to representing the UAE at the highest level while fostering the growth of cycling within the nation.
Beyond competitive racing, the squad continues to invest in the future through the XRG Cycling Academy. During the 2025/26 season, the initiative engaged over 2,000 children, teaching foundational cycling skills and promoting active lifestyles. The academy is set to launch its next season on October 31 at the annual UAE Team Emirates-XRG Cycling Festival. The initiative reached more than 2,000 children throughout the 2025/26 season, introducing young people across the UAE to cycling while developing essential skills, confidence, and a passion for active lifestyles. The Academy will launch its 2026/27 season at the annual UAE Team Emirates-XRG Cycling Festival on Oct.31, where the team will come together with fans, families, and the wider cycling community to celebrate another historic year, building on this success.
In a significant move for the future, the team announced that Tadej Pogačar has signed a contract extension keeping him with the organization through the 2032 season. Having been a cornerstone of the squad since 2019, Pogačar expressed his deep connection to the team, stating that it has felt like home from the very beginning. The extension marks a long-term commitment to a rider who has become central to the team’s identity. So I’m very happy to extend my contract until 2032, we have grown together over the years and shared some incredible moments.
As the season concludes, the organization’s fourth consecutive top ranking highlights an era of sustained excellence. By blending the experience of established champions with the ambition of rising stars, UAE Team Emirates-XRG continues to set new benchmarks in international cycling while actively inspiring the next generation of athletes.
