UAE Team Emirates Go Beyond Greatness in 2025
After enjoying the best season in the history of men’s road cycling in 2024, UAE Team Emirates have somehow managed to raise the bar even higher in 2025. With 95 victories, the Emirati squad have redefined what dominance means in the WorldTour.
“It’ll be hard to raise the bar again,” admits Tim Wellens, “but we’ll go all-in once more.” The Belgian believes the team’s collective drive and culture make them stand out from the rest of the peloton.
Pavel Sivakov’s Journey: From Overtraining to Finding Balance
One of UAE Team Emirates’ key signings in 2024, Pavel Sivakov joined from INEOS Grenadiers and quickly rediscovered his best form. The Frenchman says he’s taken significant steps forward since the move — and learned vital lessons about balance and recovery.
“At INEOS, especially in my early years, I worked far too hard,” Sivakov told Cyclingnews. “Maybe it comes from my roots — that Soviet mentality where even if you’re exhausted, you train more, do more, push more.”
Sivakov’s parents were both successful cyclists, and he admits that his youthful intensity often turned counterproductive. “I’d see guys like Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome doing more and more, so I did the same. But then you get stressed, overtrain, diet too much, crash too often — it becomes a vicious circle.”
Now, he says, the environment at UAE Team Emirates has helped him mature. “Some riders develop really quickly. For me, it’s been a longer, slower journey — but one I’ve learned a lot from.”
Pogacar: The Catalyst Behind UAE’s Success
For Sivakov, Tadej Pogacar represents the gold standard of calm confidence and natural talent.
“Tadej has the capacity to stay calm and not get stressed about small things,” Sivakov explained. “I used to overthink every detail, and that would slow me down. He’s the kind of rider who lifts everyone around him.”
The two-time Tour de France champion is more than just a leader on the road — he’s a unifying force off it as well. “Everyone knows he’s the best,” said Wellens. “But what makes the difference is that he’s also one of the best people in the peloton. He keeps both feet on the ground. That’s as valuable as the victories.”
Paul Seixas: The Next Pogacar?
Sivakov also sees a spark of greatness in Paul Seixas, drawing comparisons to Pogacar and Geraint Thomas.
“Paul’s not like me — he doesn’t overthink things,” said Sivakov. “He’ll feel pressure to perform, but that’s part of the journey. As long as he enjoys racing and riding, he’ll be fine.”
The Frenchman’s praise underlines the culture of belief and mentorship at UAE Team Emirates — where even the younger talents are pushed to reach world-class levels.
Wellens on Ayuso’s Departure: “Without Pogacar, the Pressure Is Greater”
While celebrating team success, Tim Wellens also addressed the departure of Juan Ayuso, who moves to Lidl–Trek for 2026.
“Being professional means something different for everyone,” Wellens told Marca. “At UAE, everyone is incredibly professional, and Juan had an excellent mentality. But he’ll have a harder time without Pogacar. Having Tadej as a role model makes life easier — if he’s not there, the pressure is greater.”
Still, Wellens wished Ayuso every success, emphasizing that his discipline and drive will serve him well in the next chapter.
Can UAE Team Emirates Reach 100 Wins in 2026?
After an unprecedented 95 victories, questions naturally turn to whether UAE Team Emirates can break the 100-win barrier next season.
“Well, it’ll be difficult,” admits Wellens. “I thought it was impossible to improve on 2024, but we did it in 2025. It’ll be hard to repeat, but this team is full of champions.”
And when asked about critics who label the team’s hunger as arrogance, the Belgian champion had a sharp reply:
“Hopefully, we’ll win 200 times.”
FAQ: UAE Team Emirates’ Record-Breaking 2025 Season
1. How many races did UAE Team Emirates win in 2025?
They secured an incredible 95 victories, making it their most successful season in history.
2. What makes Tadej Pogacar so important to the team?
Pogacar’s combination of talent, composure, and leadership inspires everyone around him — both on and off the bike.
3. Why did Pavel Sivakov leave INEOS Grenadiers?
Sivakov said he overtrained and struggled to find balance at INEOS. Joining UAE Team Emirates helped him rediscover his rhythm and maturity.
4. Who is Paul Seixas, and why is he compared to Pogacar?
Paul Seixas is a rising star at UAE Team Emirates. Sivakov describes him as calm, focused, and naturally talented — similar to Pogacar and Thomas.
5. What does Tim Wellens think of Juan Ayuso’s move to Lidl–Trek?
Wellens respects Ayuso’s decision but believes life will be tougher without Pogacar’s example and presence within the team.
6. Can UAE Team Emirates reach 100 wins next year?
It will be difficult, but with riders like Pogacar, Sivakov, and Seixas leading the charge, the team certainly has the ambition to try.
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UAE Team Emirates capped a record-breaking 2025 season with 95 wins. Pavel Sivakov and Tim Wellens reveal what makes the squad — led by Tadej Pogacar — so special, and how rising star Paul Seixas could be the next big name in cycling.
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