Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
UAE Team Emirates-XRG has cemented its position at the pinnacle of global sport after being named the Best International Team of 2025 by Spanish media giant Marca. In a historic double for the Abu Dhabi-based squad, Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogacar was also crowned Best International Athlete.
The accolades follow a season of unprecedented dominance in which the team broke decades-old cycling records, securing 97 victories – the highest number ever achieved by a professional team in a single campaign. Alongside 56 podium finishes, 20 different riders contributed to the win tally, demonstrating the depth that allowed the squad to secure the UCI world No.1 ranking for a third consecutive year.
In winning the Marca award, UAE Team Emirates-XRG finished ahead of global sporting heavyweights, including football club Paris Saint-Germain and the McLaren Formula 1 team. The honour reflects the team’s growing status on the world stage beyond the traditional boundaries of cycling.
At the forefront of the team’s success was once again Tadej Pogacar, who closed out the season ranked as the UCI world No.1 cyclist. His 2025 campaign featured victory at the Tour de France, podium finishes across all five Monuments, including three wins, and further World Championship success on the global stage. Those achievements saw Pogacar named Marca’s Best International Athlete, surpassing stars from across world sport including Jannik Sinner (tennis) and Shohei Ohtani (baseball).
Mauro Gianetti, UAE Team Emirates-XRG Team Principal and CEO, said: “This reflects not only what we achieved in 2025, but the collective efforts of our riders, staff and partners who world tirelessly all year. Being recognised beyond the world of cycling shows the scale of our achievements, and it motivates us even more as we look ahead to 2026. We are incredibly proud to represent the UAE on the global stage and can’t wait to kickstart the new season.”
The recognition from one of the world’s most respected sporting institutions validates a campaign defined by sustained excellence across the international calendar. As the team looks toward 2026, it remains focused on building upon its era of success and further pushing the boundaries of professional cycling.
