“Providing new stimulation, above all mentally”: Mauro Gianetti on the key to Tadej Pogacar’s continued success
Cycling
The UAE Team Emirates - XRG Media Day held in Benidorm served both as the starting point for a new season and as a moment of reflection after a historic 2025 for the Emirati team.
With 97 victories, Grand Tours and Monuments in their recent palmares, the squad faces the future from a position of strength in world cycling.
Present at the event, general manager Mauro Gianetti analysed the evolution of the team in an interview with Cyclismactu, the central role of Tadej Pogacar, the integration of new signings, the team’s objectives, the departure of Juan Ayuso and the philosophy guiding the project beyond results.
These were his main statements, organised by theme:
2025 season
“Every year it feels like we start earlier, but we do not know whether we are starting earlier or always finishing later. After an exceptional year like 2025, we begin with a lot of motivation and a lot of focus.”
“This is the only moment when the entire team is together, all the riders and a large part of the staff. It is a very intense moment, but also a very interesting one.”
“It is an enormous satisfaction, because it is a lifetime dream to achieve something exceptional.”
“97 victories, three riders in the top five in the world, winning the team ranking… it is an extraordinary moment.”
“Now is the time to remain humble, focused, and not sit back on what has been achieved.”
“We achieved this through a lot of work, dedication and passion.”
Evolution and changes in Tadej Pogacar
“In 2023 he arrived at the Tour without the condition he should have had because of the crash at Lieja-Bastona-Lieja.”
“You cannot think about beating Vingegaard if you are not at 100 percent.”
“It was time to change something, because you cannot do the same thing your whole life.”
“Not because what was done before was wrong, since he won two Tours at a very young age.”
“Completely changing allows you to find new motivation and provide new stimulation, above all mentally.”
“What he did in 2024 was not done in the same way in 2025.”
“You have to keep evolving and changing a little in order not to become repetitive.”
“On a human level, he is an extraordinary person.”
“It feels like he has been with us his whole life.”
Kevin Vermaerke
“He is an all-round rider.”
“He can help in the mountains, on the flat and get into breakaways.”
“He is the type of rider who has many possibilities within the team.”
Departure of Juan Ayuso
“We experienced many beautiful things with Juan since he was a junior.”
“He is an extraordinary rider, with a lot of class.”
“At 20 years old there is a lot of pressure.”
“I am happy that he has found his place to express all his talent.”
“I wish him all the best because he deserves it.”
Objectives for 2026
“It will be difficult to do better, but it is always possible to improve.”
“If you do not believe in it, that would be a shame.”
“It is not only a question of numbers, it is also a question of image.”
“We want to motivate people to use the bicycle.”
“Cycling is wellbeing, shared time and an alternative against pollution.”
“Seeing more people using the bicycle is also a great victory.”
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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