01/08/2023

UAE Team Emirates sign multi-discipline talent Jan Christen until 2028

19-year old Jan Christen had been under the radar of UAE Team Emirates for a long time and reportedly the two had already agreed on a move months ago. Today the Swissman is confirmed to be the team's new addition, joining with immediate effect.

The transfer comes as no surprise. Christen is one of the most desired young talents out in the market, on the road he is the reigning Junior European Champion and has recently - in his first under-23 year - won a stage at the under-23 Giro in the mountains. A very versatile rider, his climbing ability stands out, however his off-road skills have gathered more attention as he was also Swiss and World Champion in the junior category back in 2021-2022.

"Tadej and Jonas have shown figures in the Tour that I have already achieved" - Remco Evenepoel on Vuelta a Espana expectations and comparison to the best

Christen had already ridden for the 'Pogi Team' and trained with UAE this winter. A move looked likely, he signed for Hagens Bermans Axeon but most likely a transfer that already came attached to his move to the team of Tadej Pogacar. Christen makes a move with immediate effect and features a contract all the way into 2028, an incredibly long duration alongside Juan Ayuso who followed a similar path into the team.

"Jan is a rider we’ve been following and working with for some time now and we are very pleased to give him the opportunity to step-up and show what he can do," team principal Mauro Gianetti said. "He is a very young rider who we hope can continue to grow and develop both as a cyclist and as a person in our team.”

PREVIEW | Tour de Pologne 2023 stage 4 - Merlier, Kooij, Gaviria and Bennett battle for meaningful sprint win

“I’m very happy to make this step in my career and I’m thankful for the trust that Mauro, Matxin and UAE Team Emirates have shown in me," Christen issued. "I’m joining one of the biggest and best teams and I’m very excited for the years ahead but also so thankful to Hagens Berman Axeon for the valuable experience these months and for the opportunities they gave me. The first aim now is to learn and grow as much as possible and find my feet in the pro peloton and score soon my first pro win. It’s a dream become reality and I can’t wait to get started.”