{"id":590492,"date":"2026-04-07T04:01:13","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T04:01:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/590492\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T04:01:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T04:01:13","slug":"top-cobbled-classics-support-rider-for-tadej-pogacar-reportedly-extends-contract-for-several-seasons-with-uae-team-emirates-xrg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/590492\/","title":{"rendered":"Top cobbled Classics support rider for Tadej Poga\u010dar reportedly extends contract for several seasons with UAE Team Emirates-XRG"},"content":{"rendered":"

Belgian cobbled Classics specialist Florian Vermeersch<\/a> and UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/a> have added several years to his current contract with the team, according to a report in Wielerflits,<\/a> which was later confirmed by sources to other media.<\/p>\n

Third in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and E3 Saxo Classic <\/a>this year, and a runner-up in Paris-Roubaix five years ago<\/a>, Vermeersch has become a key support rider for Tadej Poga\u010dar this spring, just when the squad suffered a blight of injuries amongst their team workers. <\/p>\n

Vermeersch’ stand-out performances included the Tour of Flanders on Sunday, where Poga\u010dar roared home to a record-equalling third win and Vermeersch finished seventh himself.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Present at all three of Poga\u010dar’s races to date this year, he will once again line up with the Slovenian when Poga\u010dar fights for a third Monument out of three next weekend in Paris-Roubaix. <\/a>Prior to Flanders, Poga\u010dar named Vermeersch as a ‘Plan B’ for the team, and he will likely have this role again on Sunday, after taking fifth in Roubaix last year.<\/p>\n

Article continues below <\/p>\n

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The 27-year-old’s contract was due to run out at the end of this season, but although nothing is official, Wielerflits<\/a> claim his contract has been renewed through to the end of 2029.<\/p>\n

2026 is Vermeersch’ second season with UAE after he moved across from Lotto-Dstny, his first pro team, at the end of 2024. One major personal highlight of 2025 came in the autumn when he became Gravel World Champion.<\/a><\/p>\n

Vermeersch reportedly could have been of interest to Alpecin-Premier Tech for 2027, but he has instead reportedly opted to remain in UAE Team Emirates.<\/p>\n

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