UAE Team Emirates - XRG has made a surprising addition to
its 2025 roster with the signing of
Julius Johansen, a former junior world
champion. The 25-year-old Dane, who has been on a winding journey through the
cycling world, will join the team as he seeks to rekindle the form that once
marked him as one of the sport’s brightest young talents.
Johansen first made headlines in 2017, when he clinched the
junior world championship title. However, despite showing immense promise, his
path to the WorldTour has been anything but straightforward. He spent the 2022
season with Intermarché–Wanty but struggled to establish himself at the top
level, ultimately leaving the WorldTour.
"I was super disappointed to leave the WorldTour last
year. I had the opportunity to go to Sabgal, where I had quite an okay race
program. I didn't have the results that would lead to a contract with UAE, but
I was lucky to have the chance to test with the team.
I knew Matxin from before
as he had been following me for a long time,"
Johansen told cycling
journalist Daniel Benson.In 2025, Johansen will get another chance to prove himself,
this time at UAE Team Emirates – XRG, widely regarded as the world’s best
cycling team. His opportunity arose unexpectedly but was built on the back of
hard work and outstanding performance in team testing.
"Fortunately, they needed someone with my qualities,
and my tests were outstanding. That eventually led to a contract with the UAE.
It was all a bit last-minute, and I didn't hear it was finalized until shortly
before the official announcement," he revealed.
Needless to say, Johansen is thrilled to join the squad
alongside the likes of
Tadej Pogacar. "When I got the call from Matxin,
that was a huge moment for me. Since then, I've been super happy. It was a
surprise, but I know I can reach the level needed. It's up to me to show that
this is my spot," Johansen said.
Johansen’s journey has been marked by challenges, including
a loss of motivation during the pandemic that he admits cost him crucial
development time. "Maybe I could have shown more if I had been at the
highest level. I lost a lot of motivation during the pandemic and, therefore,
lost at least two years of my development because we couldn't ride races. I
started eating too much and training less because I had little to be excited
about," said the power rider.
His time at Intermarché also left him unfulfilled. "At
Intermarché, I did not have the required level as a result. And there was maybe
also some miscommunication about my role within the team. Now, I have an
obvious role: I am one of the first to ride at the head of the pack in most
races. From there, I can grow further," Johansen explained.
Johansen is determined to make the most of this new
opportunity, with his contract providing him a critical year to prove his
worth. "I have one year to prove myself, and that's exactly what I wanted.
They have confidence in me by giving me a contract, and I know my arrival
surprised many. But I deserve this place and have worked very hard for it. I
will continue to work even harder now that I have the opportunity to work with
some of the best riders in the world. I still have room to grow and want to
show the world I deserve this spot," he concluded.