He joins Tadej Pogacar and Pablo Torres - UAE Team Emirates renew with another super-talent until 2030

UAE Team Emirates are the team with the highest budget in pro cycling, and perhaps this will grow further with the entry of another title sponsor in the billionaire company XRG. This allows them to sign many of the world's best riders but also the brightest talents. Jan Christen has signed a new contract with the team, now all the way into 2030.

The Swiss rider joins Tadej Pogacar and youngster Pablo Torres in an incredibly long-term contract, perhaps to the benefit of the sport that more and more sees longer contracts and stability - for both riders and teams.

“I’m super happy to extend my contract with UAE Team Emirates XRG until 2030. I’m very grateful for the team for showing so much trust in me," Christen said in a press release. "The opportunity to be in this environment which has been incredibly supportive – both on and off the bike – is a real privilege and I see it as the perfect place for myself to develop as a rider and make the next steps in my career".

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Christen is a rider worthy of such a bet, he's proven it on multiple occasions. He signed with UAE at the end of the 2023 season most likely after his power numbers were shared with the team. Although having strong results, it looked like there was more talent then what these showed for.

This year the 20-year old really broke through. At the age of just 19 he finished second at Milano-Torino and then went on take his first pro win at the Giro d'Abruzzo - against World Tour competition in both cases. But his success wouldn't stop here, he showed climbing talent but it's in the hilly classics where he thrives, and he won two more (Giro dell'Appenino and Prueba Villafranca) later in the year.

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At the World Championships, he almost won the under-23 race with an attack just like that of Tadej Pogacar, long distance, but was caught in the finale and finished fourth. "I’m still learning everyday from the best teammates possible and enjoying as much as i can with my feet on the ground and a lot of excitement for what‘s to come. I’m confident that I will make big steps forward in the coming years and achieve my big goals together with the team.”

Team manager Mauro Gianetti is equally pleased with the securing of another top talent. “We are very excited and pleased that Jan will continue in the team for many years to come. He is a big talent and we believe he has the right attitude and qualities to continue his progression with us. In his first year he has shown his ability to win but also to be part of a team and work as a team player which is very important quality for us. We want to see him continue to develop both as a rider and as a person.”

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