Tadej Pogacar’s men: Who are the UAE Team Emirates stars that will be looking for glory in 2025?

Tadej Pogacar's remarkable 2024 season is one that will be talked about for years to come. Dominating the cycling world, Pogacar not only achieved the elusive Triple Crown but did so in a fashion that left many awestruck, including a stunning 100km solo attack to win the World Championships in Zurich.

The Slovenian superstar recently suggested that his UAE Team Emirates squad has what it takes to shine even in his absence, telling the Nedelo newspaper, "Winning all three Grand Tours in one year is doable. But I respect my teammates. We know that UAE Team Emirates has the potential to win a Grand Tour, even if I'm not there. There's no need to be greedy within my team. I don't want to make enemies where I feel at home.”

This raises the question: which of Pogacar's talented teammates will seek their own moments of glory in 2025? Let’s take a closer look at the riders who could step up for UAE Team Emirates in the upcoming season.

Joao Almeida, the Portuguese climber, has been one of the most loyal and effective teammates for Pogacar. His performance in the 2024 Tour de France showcased his abilities, playing a critical role in aiding Pogacar's successful campaign. However, Almeida's talents extend far beyond being just a domestique.

During the Tour, Almeida gained attention when he urged teammate Juan Ayuso to put in more work for Pogacar while ascending the Col du Galibier. The Portuguese rider would eventually finish fourth overall, a commendable feat considering the stacked field, with Remco Evenepoel securing the third podium spot, ten minutes ahead of him.

Despite his selflessness for Pogacar, Almeida is no stranger to leading. He finished third at the 2023 Giro d'Italia, highlighting his Grand Tour pedigree. At the 2024 Vuelta a España, he was initially slated to co-lead UAE Team Emirates alongside Adam Yates, and looked strong in the early stages, riding alongside Primoz Roglic and Ben O’Connor at the front. However, a COVID-19 positive test forced Almeida out of the race.

With a proven track record and a thirst for more, Almeida is likely to target the Giro d'Italia or Vuelta a España in 2025. In most other teams, he would be a GC leader, and he has the capability to step out from Pogacar’s shadow and shine on his own.

Juan Ayuso's 2024 season was one of highs and lows. The young Spanish talent, who podiumed at the Vuelta a España in 2022 at just 19 years old, had a roller-coaster season in 2024. He was forced to abandon the Tour de France due to illness, and in a surprising decision, was left out of the UAE squad for the Vuelta, sparking speculation and controversy.

However, Ayuso’s early season showcased his immense potential, and a victory at the Tour of the Basque Country was a reminder of his talent. At just 22, he remains one of the most exciting young prospects in the peloton, and his exclusion from the Vuelta squad led to whispers of tension within the team. Ayuso’s ambition will undoubtedly drive him to seek leadership opportunities in 2025, and he might be eyeing the Giro or Vuelta as a chance to make a statement.

The speculation about his future within UAE Team Emirates has been rife, with many in the cycling media suggesting that Ayuso could be on his way out if he does not receive opportunities to lead. A move to another squad where he would be the undisputed leader might become an option if the internal dynamics do not shift in his favour, which is unlikely considering the presence of Tadej Pogacar.

Isaac Del Toro, a young Mexican rider, is already being touted as one of cycling’s future stars. After winning the 2023 Tour de l'Avenir, often considered a preview of future Grand Tour success, Del Toro was signed by UAE Team Emirates, committing his future to the team with a contract running until 2029, one of the longest in professional cycling.

At just 20 years old, Del Toro's early career has already been marked by significant achievements. In January 2024, he showcased his potential with a dramatic solo victory at the Tour Down Under, and he continued his strong form with a fourth-place finish at the Tirreno–Adriatico. Though his Grand Tour debut at the Vuelta was a relatively quiet affair, ending in 36th place, he gained valuable experience.

The future for Del Toro looks bright, and 2025 will be a key year for his development. Given his age, it’s likely the team will continue to nurture his talent, allowing him to target smaller stage races and hone his abilities before giving him leadership in a Grand Tour. However, with his long-term contract, UAE will be eager to see Del Toro's progression continue, and he could become a critical figure in the team's Grand Tour aspirations down the line.

For UAE Team Emirates, the challenge in 2025 will be to balance the aspirations of a squad packed with talent while continuing to support Pogacar’s quest for cycling greatness. With Almeida, Ayuso, and Del Toro in the ranks, the team has no shortage of Grand Tour potential.

The team's depth allows it to tackle multiple objectives, whether it's going all-in for Pogacar in one Grand Tour while giving Almeida or Ayuso leadership in another. However, maintaining harmony within the squad will be crucial, especially with young riders eager to establish themselves. It’s a headache most team bosses will dream of and Pogacar’s comments about not wanting to create enemies within the team underline the importance of a supportive environment. But the natural ambition of elite athletes means there will always be riders pushing for their own chances.

Pogacar’s unprecedented achievements in 2024 have set the bar high, not just for him but for his teammates. The Triple Crown will be a hard act to follow, and while Pogacar’s talent is undeniable, the success of UAE Team Emirates does not rest on his shoulders alone. The likes of Almeida, Ayuso, and Del Toro each have their own narratives to write, and 2025 could be a defining year for all three riders.

With a squad this strong, UAE Team Emirates has the luxury of multiple Grand Tour contenders, highlighting the skills of their recruitment and development strategy. If the team can manage its talent effectively, 2025 might not only be about Pogacar’s continued dominance but also the rise of a new generation of stars within the team.