“We’ve already signed one” – UAE Team Emirates – XRG reportedly set to sign new superstar talent

Tadej Pogacar, Juan Ayuso, Isaac del Toro. the conveyor belt of young talent at UAE Team Emirates – XRG seems never-ending. And now, if rumours are to be believed, it appears the Emirati outfit is set to add another name to its glittering list of future stars: Ecuadorian teenager Mateo Pablo Ramirez.

After a Giro d’Italia campaign that saw 21-year-old Isaac del Toro finish on the podium, UAE’s sporting director Joxean Fernández Matxin hinted at more youth driven reinforcements coming soon. Speaking to Primicias, an Ecuadorian newspaper, Matxin said, “Ecuadorian cyclists are very good. We’ve already signed one.” He declined to name the rider but promised an announcement soon. However, a bit of social media investigation may have already revealed the answer.

French journalist Renaud Breban spotted an Instagram story posted by Giacomo Notari, a trainer at UAE Team Emirates – XRG. In it appeared 19-year-old Mateo Pablo Ramirez, a promising Ecuadorian currently racing for Spanish U23 squad High Level–Gsport–Grupo Tormo. The image all but confirms the rumoured signing.

Ramirez has been quietly making a name for himself in South America. At this year’s Ecuadorian National Championships, he finished third in the elite road race and second in the time trial, impressive results for a teenager competing against the country’s best. His climbing pedigree and time trial strength fit perfectly into UAE’s blueprint of grooming well rounded GC contenders from a young age.

The signing would continue UAE’s aggressive strategy of snapping up top international prospects before their competition can blink. With Pogacar already a three-time Tour de France winner, Ayuso becoming a podium contender, and del Toro rapidly rising through the ranks, UAE has positioned itself as cycling’s premier incubator for young talent.

So, are UAE on the cusp of securing some more gold dust? Perhaps the rival teams need to start improving their scouting networks?