“It is exciting to come here with my new team" - Jhonatan Narváez set for first race in UAE colours at Tour Down Under 2025

Jhonatan Narváez starred at the Tour Down Under last year, finishing 2nd overall behind Stephen Williams. As he returns to the Australian, season opening stage race in 2025 though, the Ecuadorian does so in the colours of a new team, UAE Team Emirates - XRG.  

“It is exciting to come here with my new team and already I have a good feeling because they have made me feel part of the family,” previews Narváez in a pre-Tour Down Under press release on the UAE Team Emirates - XRG team's official website. “This is one of my favourite races on the calendar. I am just really looking forward to racing alongside my new teammates for the first time over the next week.”

Having switched from the INEOS Grenadiers to UAE though, there are a few changes to get used to for the 27-year-old. “It is going to be my first race with the team. I am trying new equipment, a new bike, new glasses and more, but I know I have been training well, I know we have a good team and we must play our cards with this team," explains the Ecuadorian talent. 

Without the pressures of leadership, supporting Australian hopeful Jay Vine, Narváez also comes into the race with a different kind of expectations compared to twelve months ago. "I am really hoping to support Jay, as this route really suits him as a favourite," he previews. "If the road presents us with an opportunity for me, I’ll be ready to take my chance.”