Today’s Il Lombardia marks a major moment for UAE Team
Emirates – XRG. Tadej Pogacar will attempt to win the race for an astonishing
fifth consecutive time, while young Isaac Del Toro hopes to secure his first
standout result in a Monument. But beyond the team’s ambitions for victory, the
day also carries emotion, it is Rafal Majka’s final race with the squad.
"Our amazing journey ends today, UAE Emirates,"
Majka wrote in an open letter to the team he has represented for the past five
seasons. "For one last time, we will prove we are 'the team.' We will do
our best to win today. It has been a great pleasure to train and compete with
you in the biggest races in the world."
Majka, now 36, closes his UAE chapter with a career defined
by consistency and loyalty. A three-time Tour de France stage winner and twice
a Vuelta a España stage winner, he also claimed the polka dot jersey at the
Tour de France in both 2014 and 2016. Since joining UAE in 2021, he has been
one of Pogacar’s most trusted mountain lieutenants, helping the Slovenian to
multiple Grand Tour victories while maintaining his own strong results.
His history with Il Lombardia stretches back more than a
decade. He finished third in 2013 and seventh in 2018, proof of his ability on
the long climbs and relentless terrain that define the season’s final Monument.
Dear @TeamEmiratesUAE , our GREAT journey ends today! One last time we will show, that we are "The Team" and we do our best to win! It has been a pleasure to training, compete, and win the biggest races in the world alongside SUPER teammates and staff!
— Rafał Majka (@majkaformal) October 11, 2025
DZIĘKUJĘ! 🇵🇱🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/AvWfG3LdL3
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as 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. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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