Back at intermarché - Wanty, Rune Herregodts was one among the team's protected riders. But over conformity, the Belgian time trialist chose the challenging environment at UAE Team Emirates - XRG where he suddenly finds himself at the opposite end of the feeding chain.
"They hired me to let others win. I don't really care if I can't win myself," Herregodts doesn't complain about lack of opportunities in an interview with WielerFlits.
But it's not like UAE never give their domestiques chances to ride for their own result. Herregodts knows very well that if he maintains high level, a 9th place at the Trofeo Calvia might not remain his only top result of the season: "I just have to make sure I stay healthy and can ride a consistent season; then the opportunities will come naturally."
"I got off to a great start in Mallorca with some good results," said Herregodts. "I never felt the same feeling I had in that race last year. Due to various setbacks, I never got around to building up my fitness gradually. There was always something holding me back at crucial moments. But maybe this year I'll reap the rewards of all the long training sessions back then."
The joy of winning
Right now, Herregodts is in the second year of his contract at UAE, so how did the first season go from the perspective of the 27-year-old Belgian? "Super positive. It was a year in which I thoroughly enjoyed every race."
While he's not often a leader at UAE, the Belgian finds fulfillment in playing a part in his teammates' victories and adjusting his tasks to that goal:
"Having a goal in every race makes it enjoyable. In a different team, I might have a more free role. But the level, especially in the climbs, is very high. If I'm truly at my best, I might be able to compete there. But the great thing is that I can do my part in every race here. They're happy with what I deliver, and you often share in the joy of victory. The atmosphere among the riders and staff is fantastic."
UAE Team Emirates - XRG were unstoppable in 2025
Have UAE figured out the right working environment?
After a year within the structure, the question is at hand; what is it that makes UAE so successful (95 victories in 2025)?
"The main reason is the balance we find here as riders. I think everyone here is very professional and consistent, but no one goes overboard and pushes the limits. Call it the 80/20 or 90/10 strategy," Herregodts shares his opinion.
But Herregodts doesn't neccesarily feel privileged to be a part of this success. At least not at the moment. After all, he put in just as much work in training as his race leaders who end up enjoying more spotlight. However once his career comes to a wrap, the perspective might change, he admits:
"Maybe when I look back on this period in ten years or more, it will be even clearer that what we're doing now with the team and the previous years were exceptional seasons in cycling. Then you can say: I was part of that, that was special. Now, that doesn't feel right."
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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