“Our amazing journey ends today” – Rafal Maijka waves farewell at Il Lombardia

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.