Blow for Tadej Pogacar as world champion's trusted personal soigneur departs UAE Team Emirates

UAE Team Emirates - XRG have been dealt a quiet but meaningful blow to the core of Tadej Pogacar’s inner circle, with long-serving personal soigneur Joseba Elguezabal leaving the squad to join Athletic Club’s backroom staff.

Elguezabal, 44, has been one of the closest day-to-day figures around the reigning world champion since Pogacar first arrived at the Emirati setup. His departure marks the latest example of cycling expertise crossing over into elite football, continuing a trend that has emerged across the past two seasons.

Elguezabal’s switch to football comes amid a broader pattern of crossover between the two worlds. Visma director Merijn Zeeman left the Dutch WorldTour squad to join AZ Alkmaar, part of the wider trend of cycling staff transitioning into elite football. Similarly, former Pogacar performance coach Inigo San Millan returned to his roots by joining Athletic Club as director of performance.

For UAE, however, this latest transition cuts far closer to home. Elgezabal has been a constant presence at Pogacar’s side at races, routinely the first member of staff to reach him at the finish line — a role that, in cycling, extends well beyond straightforward logistical support. His familiarity with the rider’s routines, physical cues, mood and immediate recovery needs made him one of the most trusted individuals in the Slovenian’s environment.

Sources inside UAE described to AS the offer from Athletic Club as “a unique opportunity” for Elguezabal’s professional trajectory. He leaves behind a very small and stable circle built around Pogacar, with figures such as press officer Luke Maguire also forming part of the same trusted bubble.

Although soigneurs rarely make headlines, their absence is felt immediately inside a team environment. Replacing someone so embedded in Pogacar’s day-to-day rhythm — from finish-line routines to recovery management — presents UAE with a delicate task at a time when marginal gains and micro-processes have never been more decisive.

Elguezabal will now immerse himself fully in football, trading post-stage duties for life inside Athletic’s technical setup. For Pogacar and UAE, the focus shifts to integrating a successor seamlessly as their world champion prepares for yet another season carrying the heaviest expectations in the sport.

As Athletic celebrate another strategic hire, UAE Team Emirates must rebuild a crucial support position — all while ensuring the stability of the environment that has underpinned Pogacar’s success.