Belgian champion confirms departure from UAE - "I also hope to be able to ride more for myself"

Cycling
Thursday, 30 July 2026 at 11:36
RuneHerregodts
UAE Team Emirates - XRG signed Rune Herregodts into the 2025 season, looking to turn him into a premium domestique. The Belgian rider has done a strong job but hasn't climbed into the top ranks of the team; and after confirming he is still very much at his prime with a victory at the Belgian national championships, he will move away from the team looking for more opportunities.

Herregodts confirms departure from UAE 

Interest from teams such as Lotto - Intermarché, Alpecin - Premier Tech and Cofidis had already been previously reported, and one of those three teams will most likely be the 28-year old's new destination. The transfer market opens officially this Saturday and in one of the post-Tour de France criteriums, in which he was asked to start as many take place in Belgium, he confirmed that he won't be staying at UAE.
"I've had some truly wonderful years with UAE Team Emirates, but I'm eager to explore a new environment," Herregodts said in words to DirectVelo. "I also hope to be able to ride more for myself, so I can get closer to winning. I haven't signed with any team yet. Several teams are interested, but nothing is official yet."
A rouleur by excellence, he has taken advantage of his ability to race on the flat roads and the explosive classics; often being an aggressive rider due to his ability to race solo and his extremely aerodynamic stance - reminiscent of his compatriots Remco Evenepoel and Victor Campenaerts.
"Since I won the title, so many things have happened to me. The Belgian champion's jersey has a huge appeal for cycling fans. They constantly ask me for photos, selfies, autographs, and much more. It's a truly special experience."
Rune Herregodts will depart UAE Team Emirates - XRG
Rune Herregodts will depart UAE Team Emirates - XRG 

Herregodts looks to end time at UAE on a high

Top10 at the Copenhagen Sprint just over a month ago, followed by the win at the nationals due to a courageous attack that culminated with a small group sprint win; Herregodts has shown his very best form recently. He will not be racing the Vuelta a España most likely, but instead have a more vast schedule in the latter months of his season.
Next week, he will be starting the Tour de Pologne, where he will debut his new jersey in a UCI event. "It's a varied race with flat stages, uphill finishes, and a time trial. I'm particularly looking forward to the latter. We'll be leading with João Almeida, so I'll be working especially for him," he concluded.
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