The 2025 UAE Tour reached an exhilarating climax with Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates sealing his third overall victory in the prestigious race. Pogacar, the Slovenian cycling sensation, put on an extraordinary performance in the final stage at Jebel Hafeet, showcasing the skills that have made him one of the most dominant forces in modern cycling. With his win, Pogacar further cemented his status as one of the sport’s greats, as he continues to conquer the challenges that come his way.
A Victory Built on Consistency
The UAE Tour, one of the most awaited races in the WorldTour calendar, is known for its challenging terrain and world-class competition. This year’s edition, which featured some of the finest riders from across the globe, was no exception. Pogacar arrived at the race with a clear objective – to defend his crown and win the event for the third time. But achieving this feat was far from straightforward.
The UAE Tour was always going to be a tough challenge for Pogacar, with a mixture of time trials, sprint stages, and difficult mountain finishes. However, the Slovenian superstar’s relentless pursuit of excellence throughout the race meant he never gave up his grip on the overall leader’s position. His performance in the time trial and his ability to maintain composure in the heat of the desert were key factors in ensuring he maintained his lead going into the final day.
Pogacar’s dominance was most evident in the iconic Jebel Hafeet stage. The 10.8 km ascent, one of the most demanding climbs in the region, was where the race would be decided, and Pogacar’s pedigree as a climber came to the fore once again. While many riders struggled in the oppressive heat and steep gradients, Pogacar showed his superiority by controlling the pace and attacking with precision at just the right moments.
Jebel Hafeet: A Stage Set for Pogacar’s Brilliance
As the peloton made its way to the final climb of Jebel Hafeet, the tension was palpable. The stage was set for the riders to battle it out on one of the toughest climbs in professional cycling. Jebel Hafeet, with its brutal gradients and 1,000-meter ascent, had become the deciding factor for the UAE Tour in recent years, and the 2025 edition was no different.
The battle for the stage win and the overall title was intense, with Pogacar coming under pressure from his closest rivals. Among them were strong climbers like Adam Yates (Ineos Grenadiers) and João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates), both of whom were eager to make their move and challenge the Slovenian. As the riders approached the base of Jebel Hafeet, Pogacar’s lead in the overall classification seemed under threat, but his response was nothing short of phenomenal.
From the outset of the climb, Pogacar displayed incredible power and rhythm, keeping a steady pace that gradually wore down his rivals. The climb was steep, with some sections approaching gradients of 10-12%, and it was here that Pogacar’s exceptional climbing ability shone through. He made his move at the right moment, launching a devastating attack that not only dropped his competitors but also allowed him to stretch his advantage. By the time Pogacar crossed the finish line, it was clear he had secured another emphatic win.
Tactical Mastery: Pogacar’s Smart Ride
While Pogacar’s climbing ability was a crucial factor in his victory, it was also his tactical brilliance that set him apart. The Slovenian rider has long been known for his keen race intelligence, and this was evident in the way he handled the UAE Tour. From the very first stage, Pogacar was methodical in his approach, picking his moments to assert his authority and controlling the race without ever overexerting himself.
Throughout the stages leading up to Jebel Hafeet, Pogacar made the most of his team’s support, carefully conserving his energy while maintaining his position in the overall standings. His performance in the time trial, where he put in a commanding effort to take crucial seconds, was another display of his strategic prowess. Pogacar knows that every second counts in a stage race, and his ability to think ahead and make calculated moves ensured he was always in a commanding position.
A Third UAE Tour Title: What It Means for Pogacar
Winning the UAE Tour for the third time is an extraordinary achievement for Pogacar. It is not only a testament to his consistent dominance over the past few years but also a significant milestone in his career. The 2025 victory places him alongside some of the sport’s greatest riders who have won multiple editions of this race. The victory further enhances his reputation as one of the best all-rounders in cycling history.
This win also underscores the depth of Pogacar’s talent. Over the past few years, he has emerged as a rider who can dominate both stage races and one-day classics. His incredible versatility means that he can adapt to almost any challenge, whether it’s a brutal mountain stage or a high-speed sprint finish. With the Tour de France and other Grand Tours in his sights, the UAE Tour victory adds to his already impressive palmarès and proves he is not just a one-hit wonder.
For UAE Team Emirates, Pogacar’s victory is another reason to celebrate. The team’s investment in Pogacar over the years has undoubtedly paid off, and the Slovenian’s success is also a reflection of the teamwork and resources that have been put into his development. As a team, they’ve worked tirelessly to create the perfect environment for Pogacar to thrive, and the results speak for themselves.
The Rivals: A Tough Field Challenged Pogacar
Despite his dominance, the UAE Tour was far from a walk in the park for Pogacar. He was challenged by a number of top-tier riders who were determined to take the title away from him. Adam Yates, who finished second overall, was a constant presence throughout the race, never letting Pogacar have too much of a gap. Yates’s resilience and strong climbing made him a formidable opponent, but Pogacar’s control of the race proved too much for the Briton in the final stages.
João Almeida, a former podium finisher at the UAE Tour, was also in the mix. Almeida’s climbing abilities were on full display throughout the event, and his efforts put him in contention for the title until the very end. However, the Portuguese rider was unable to match Pogacar’s pace on Jebel Hafeet, and his chances of taking the top spot were dashed in the final moments.
Other notable riders included the likes of Richard Carapaz, who made a strong showing, and a host of talented young riders looking to make their mark on the WorldTour. However, none of them could match the precision and class that Pogacar brought to the race.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Pogacar?
With his third UAE Tour victory now in the bag, Tadej Pogacar has set the stage for another stellar year in 2025. The win further solidifies his position as one of the leading contenders for the biggest prizes in cycling, particularly the Tour de France. His performances in the UAE Tour have shown that he is in exceptional form and ready to take on the toughest challenges in the season ahead.
While the UAE Tour was a significant target for Pogacar, it is undoubtedly the Grand Tours that will define his season. The Slovenian rider will now turn his attention to defending his title at the Tour de France, where he will face off against a host of challengers, including his old rival, Jonas Vingegaard. Pogacar’s dominance in stage races has made him a household name, and as the season progresses, all eyes will be on him to see if he can continue his remarkable run of success.
Conclusion: The Dominance of Tadej Pogacar
The 2025 UAE Tour has once again demonstrated why Tadej Pogacar is one of the most exciting and talented riders in the world. His third overall victory in the race, coupled with his dominant performance on Jebel Hafeet, has only strengthened his reputation as a true cycling phenomenon. With the season now in full swing, Pogacar will be eager to build on this success, with the biggest challenges of the year still to come. One thing is certain – Pogacar’s star is shining brighter than ever, and the cycling world is watching eagerly to see what he will achieve next.