Lanterne Rouge Cycling Podcast UAE Team Emirates - XRG 2026 Preview
Dec 30, 2025
Patrick and Benji dive into UAE Team Emirates' record-breaking 97-win season, spotlighting Tadej Pogacar's monument dominance. They discuss racing strategies for Milano–Sanremo and the implications of team changes, including losses of Micah and Ayuso. Exciting new signings and salary developments are examined, alongside potential weaknesses in classics support. The hosts predict if the team can maintain their victory momentum in 2026 and assess promising young riders to keep an eye on.
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Record-Breaking Season And Strategy
- UAE Team Emirates had an extraordinary 2025 with 97 wins, including three monuments and a Grand Tour.
- That volume shows both depth and deliberate scheduling to farm smaller races for victories.
Pogacar's Monument Versatility
- Tadej Pogacar broadened his classics range by winning multiple monuments and narrowly missing others.
- The hosts conclude Pogacar can realistically win all five monuments over his career.
Farming Wins Can Hinder Development
- Farming smaller one-day races boosted UAE's win tally but may limit rider tactical development.
- Benji and Patrick worry that easy 1.1 wins don't teach decision-making needed in big races.