Narváez stays with UAE until 2029 - Giro lead and Pogacar support enough to hold off INEOS' attempts

The rumours this spring were intense that Jhonatan Narváez might be leaving UAE Team Emirates - XRG and head back to Netcompany INEOS. However the tables have been turned, and the Ecuadorian's success over the past month and a half has helped him make a decision on his future seasons.

A departure would only come at a high value, after Narváez tremendous work around Tadej Pogacar in 2025 including Milano-Sanremo, the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and the Tour de France. With tremendous explosivity but also a never before seen capacity in the high mountains, Narváez became an incredibly valuable part of UAE.

Hence, everything was done to secure his contract. “I’m very happy to extend my contract with UAE Team Emirates-XRG," Narváez said in a press release. "From the moment I arrived, I felt the confidence of the team and I quickly knew this was the right place for me. We have an incredible group of riders and staff, and every day there is a real desire to improve and win together".

The renewal applies all the way into 2029, therefore the next three seasons. "The last two seasons have been some of the best of my career and I believe I can continue to grow here. We have already achieved a lot together, but I feel there is still much more to come. I’m excited to continue this journey and to keep contributing to the success of this team in the years ahead.”

In 2026 the Ecuardorian was given more opportunities to lead on his own, and only injury came in the way. At the Tour Down Under he and Jay Vine were dominating the race until Narváez crashed out. He spent the entire spring out of action, but seemingly that was no obstacle as he returned to racing at the Giro d'Italia with incredible form.

Narváez won three stages, one in a reduced bunch sprint and two from breakaways. This even put him on path to potentially win the maglia ciclamino, despite never turning into a goal until the halfway point of the race.

He then had to abandon the race with a minor injury, but once again it felt like nothing would get in his way as at the Tour de Suisse his form was stellar once again. On stage 2, Tadej Pogacar personally tried working for his teammate to win the stage, but the breakaway would succeed and he would stay in the chasing group to the World Champion.

But the following day, Narváez was given freedom to join the breakaway and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands, winning it with a small gap whilst behind UAE attempted to disrupt the chase when possible. It was a sign of the team's commitment to the Ecuadorian's own ambitions. The renewal comes as a sign of mutual trust between the two.