“A high distinction, but we have let certain victories slip away”: Matxin extremely demanding about UAE’s 2025

Joxean Fernandez Matxin has taken stock of an exceptional 2025 for UAE Team Emirates - XRG, a season he rates as a “high distinction”, even if it falls just short of outstanding. The manager acknowledges that perfection does not exist and that “we have let certain victories slip away”, but he underlines that the team has delivered historic figures.

“We have won 17 stage races, with 20 different riders and 41,000 points, which is the all time record.” Three consecutive seasons as the best team in the world reinforce a clear feeling: “It is something to be very satisfied with,” he said in an interview with MARCA.

Beyond the numbers, one of the major challenges is managing a squad packed with talent. Matxin insists that the key lies in communication and in clearly defining roles. “There is always very clear communication with each rider, and they are told where they will have space on an individual level and where they will be required to work more collectively.” When roles are clearly defined, he notes, “misunderstandings do not arise”.

One of the most talked about decisions ahead of the new year was the Tour de France debut of Isaac del Toro. Matxin explains that the choice was carefully considered and agreed with the rider. “He was slightly more attracted by the idea of trying the Tour, and doing so without pressure, with the focus on Pogacar.” The idea is straightforward. “It is the best way to ride the Tour without anyone demanding anything from him, because he is really there to learn.”

Tadej Pogacar’s calendar continues to generate expectation, especially around the Vuelta a Espana. From the team’s management there is a preference for caution. “We do not want to create expectations if we do not really know how Pogacar is.” The decision, Matxin stresses, will be taken later, always with respect for the race.

When building the calendar, UAE assess different alternatives depending on objectives. Matxin acknowledges that “if you do not ride the Giro, the opportunity opens up to race Romandie and Switzerland”, two races the team has not yet won. As for rivals, he is emphatic. “We cannot build our calendar around the calendar of others. We have to build the one that best suits our interests.”

The transfer market has not been busy in terms of numbers, but it has been about quality. Matxin is confident that “Vanmaerke is going to have an exceptional season”, sees Cosnefroy as a safe bet for the classics, and asks Pericas to maintain “that ambition to win and that intelligence in racing”.

The debate about reaching 100 victories does not obsess the team. “100 is nothing more than a number,” Matxin sums up, recalling that 97 wins were achieved in 2025 and that the real objective is “to try to improve, even if it is by just one more than last year”.

On early retirements for mental health reasons, Matxin does not believe they will become a widespread trend. He feels that young riders are now “more aware of what they want and what they do not”, thanks to better information, although he recognises that each case requires individual analysis.

Looking ahead to the new season, the message is clear: do not settle. “If we have achieved it, it is because we are capable, and if we continue working with the same mentality, we can surpass it.” Beyond Pogacar, Matxin highlights the strength of the group. “UAE is a solid team and those who arrive grow.” That collective balance, he concludes, is what he feels “most proud of”.