"One of my goals is to be on the winning team of a Grand Tour" - Nils Politt talks move to UAE Team Emirates

After three years with BORA - hansgrohe, Nils Politt will ride in the colours of UAE Team Emirates in 2024, a choice the German himself describes as "an easy decision."

"Ultimately, UAE contacted me relatively early in the season. It was an easy decision to choose the best team in the world. I'm offered a lot of opportunities here and I'm really looking forward to the coming year with the team," the 29-year-old explains in conversation with Eurosport. "I will certainly be given a free hand in the classics and will be given my opportunities. Nevertheless, we will have a very strong team there with Tim Wellens and Mikkel Bjerg. Riding for Tadej Pogacar will also be fun - that's something special."

The chance to ride alongside Pogacar in the Grand Tours was indeed a big factor for Politt. "One of my goals is to be on the winning team of a Grand Tour. That's a special feeling that I hope I can achieve with this team," he reveals. "I'll start in Mallorca, then I'll go to the Algarve. My next destination should be Paris - Nice, then the classics come up. More or less the same calendar as in the past."

Another big reason though, was more freedom on offer than his previous role at BORA - hansgrohe allowed. "That was also an important point why I chose UAE: Of course there are two sprinters in the team, Juan Sebastian Molano and Álvaro Hodeg, but also some riders like me. UAE's tactics have been characterized by many attacks in recent years - and that suits me. The team plays with open cards, everyone gets their chance. I like the style."