In a shocking and bold move, Marc Hirschi, the Swiss cycling prodigy who has made waves in the WorldTour circuit, has left UAE Team Emirates for a new chapter with Tudor Pro Cycling, a Swiss-based team that promises an exciting future. His departure marks a significant shift in the cycling world, raising many eyebrows among fans and insiders alike. This decision was not only a strategic career move, but also a chance for Hirschi to return to his roots, proving he’s ready to compete at the highest level – even against the likes of Tadej Pogacar and Julian Alaphilippe.
A Break From the Past: Leaving UAE Team Emirates-XRG
Marc Hirschi’s time with UAE Team Emirates was nothing short of stellar. The young Swiss rider had consistently shown his immense talent, earning victories in prestigious races and finishing as a key figure in the team’s major campaigns. He had undoubtedly been one of the leading men for UAE Team Emirates-XRG throughout 2024, taking on difficult roles as a domestique and leader in some of the hardest races on the calendar. However, Hirschi’s decision to move on came as a surprise to many, especially considering the success he had found within the team.
In his years at UAE, Hirschi was considered one of the future stars of the sport. Alongside Tadej Pogacar, the Slovenian sensation who dominated the cycling world, Hirschi was tasked with playing a supporting role in the team’s Grand Tour ambitions. However, despite his undoubted potential, it became clear that Hirschi wanted more than just a supporting role. He had the ambition to lead his own charge in the biggest races, and the competitive environment at UAE, where Pogacar’s shadow loomed large, made it difficult for Hirschi to thrive as a leader.
Leaving UAE was not an easy decision for Hirschi. He had become close with the team’s management, including his teammates, and had the privilege of working alongside one of the best talents in cycling today, Tadej Pogacar. However, Hirschi made it clear that he felt the need to challenge himself in a new environment, one where he could be the focal point of the team and where he could reach his full potential.
In an exclusive interview with IDLProCycling.com, Hirschi revealed that while he had great respect for UAE and the opportunities they had given him, he was ready for a new challenge. “It wasn’t easy to leave a team like UAE, especially with such a strong group of riders. But I felt that I needed a change,” Hirschi said. “Sometimes, you need to step out of your comfort zone to grow. I want to be the leader in races and challenge the best riders. And that’s why Tudor Pro Cycling is the perfect fit for me right now.”
Tudor Pro Cycling: A New Beginning for Hirschi
Founded by Fabian Cancellara, one of Switzerland’s greatest ever cyclists, Tudor Pro Cycling is a team that has been slowly gaining traction on the WorldTour circuit. With a clear focus on Swiss talent and an ambitious vision for the future, the team has rapidly made a name for itself. The signing of Marc Hirschi represents a huge step forward for the team and signals their intentions to compete with the best.
For Hirschi, moving to Tudor Pro Cycling is more than just a career move; it’s a return to his roots. Switzerland has always been a central part of his identity as a cyclist, and the move to a Swiss team gives him a chance to reconnect with his home country’s cycling culture while also working with a team that shares his vision of success. Hirschi, who was born in the Swiss town of Berne, has always been closely tied to his Swiss heritage, and this move allows him to ride for a team that embodies the same values of hard work, ambition, and commitment to excellence.
“Fabian [Cancellara] has been a huge influence on me. He’s someone I look up to, not just as a rider, but also as a mentor,” Hirschi explained. “He’s built a team that believes in Swiss cycling, and I want to be a part of that vision. Tudor is a team on the rise, and I’m excited about the future.”
But what exactly will Hirschi’s role be at Tudor Pro Cycling? With the team aiming to make its mark in the sport, Hirschi is expected to take on a leadership role in many of the major races. However, his move is not just about securing victories for himself. Hirschi believes that his presence on the team will help elevate his teammates and bring out the best in everyone, including himself.
“The team has a lot of potential, and I believe that together, we can achieve great things. It’s not just about me winning; it’s about all of us succeeding together,” Hirschi stated. “Fabian’s experience will be invaluable in helping guide the team, and I’m eager to contribute to that success.”
The Challenge of Competing with the Best: Pogacar and Alaphilippe
One of the most intriguing aspects of Hirschi’s decision to leave UAE Team Emirates for Tudor Pro Cycling is his desire to compete against the sport’s biggest stars – particularly Tadej Pogacar and Julian Alaphilippe. Both riders have dominated the sport in recent years, with Pogacar winning back-to-back Tour de France titles and Alaphilippe establishing himself as one of the top one-day race specialists in the world. However, Hirschi is not intimidated by the challenge.
“I know that I’m up against some of the best riders in the world, but I believe in myself and my abilities,” Hirschi said. “Pogacar is incredible, and Alaphilippe is a great rider too, but I’m ready to take on that challenge. I have the talent, and I have the determination to compete at that level. I believe Tudor can give me the support I need to go head-to-head with them.”
Hirschi’s confidence is not misplaced. He has already proven himself in one-day classics like the 2020 World Championships, where he claimed silver, as well as in Grand Tours, where he has shown his ability to mix it up with the best. His ability to perform on both the climb-heavy stages and the more technical, fast-paced races makes him a versatile rider who can contend with Pogacar and Alaphilippe in multiple disciplines.
The question, however, remains: can he truly compete with Pogacar in the mountains, or with Alaphilippe in the explosive one-day races? Hirschi believes the answer is yes.
“It’s about finding the right balance and the right support,” Hirschi explained. “With Tudor, I’ll have the freedom to race my own way, but I’ll also have the backing of a strong team that believes in me. That’s all I need to take on the best.”
A Leap of Faith: The Road Ahead
While it’s clear that Hirschi’s decision to leave UAE Team Emirates and join Tudor Pro Cycling is a bold one, it’s also a testament to his confidence and ambition. He’s not content to ride in the shadows of other riders; instead, he’s determined to carve out his own legacy in the sport.
The road ahead will certainly be challenging. Hirschi will have to prove himself against some of the world’s most formidable riders, but if his past performances are anything to go by, there’s no doubt that he has the potential to rise to the occasion.
For Tudor Pro Cycling, the signing of Hirschi is a major coup. With his talent, experience, and leadership, he could be the rider that helps propel the team into the upper echelons of the cycling world.
Hirschi’s journey with Tudor is just beginning, and it’s one that promises to be full of excitement, challenges, and ultimately, success. The question now is: will Hirschi’s bold leap of faith pay off, and will he rise to challenge the very best in the world, including Pogacar and Alaphilippe? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the cycling world will be watching closely.
In the coming years, Marc Hirschi will undoubtedly be a rider to watch. His decision to leave UAE Team Emirates and join Tudor Pro Cycling could prove to be a turning point in his career, one that could see him competing with the biggest names in cycling for many years to come.