The 2026 season continues to take shape from the cycling market. For UAE Team Emirates – XRG, the pressure will be on and expectations will be sky high. After breaking the all-time record for victories in a single year, the Emirati squad will have to give its all at the start of the new triennium. But they’ll chase new highs with mostly unchanged roster as trio Tim Wellens, Vegard Stake Laengen and Julius Johansen have all renewed for the next season(s).The three announcements were covered in one fell swoop in a single official statement. The most important, obviously, is that of Tim Wellens, until the end of 2027. The reigning Belgian champion, who also won one stage at the last Tour de France, is one of the main pillars of the squad led by Tadej Pogacar.
“For me it was an easy decision to stay with UAE Team Emirates – XRG. I feel very appreciated within the team and I also appreciate everything the team does for me,” Wellens began by noting in his renewal statement.
“It is an honor and a source of pride for me to spend more years with the best team in the world, surrounded by the best people, not only the riders, but also all the staff. Here I have found the perfect balance between supporting the team and riding for others, while still having my own opportunities,” he added.
Laengen and Johansen expansions
On the other hand, the renewal of Vegard Stake Laengen, 36 years old, is for one more season. His seniority is considered fundamental to UAE Team Emirates – XRG, and the team believes his presence will be very important for the first year of the triennium.
Earlier this year, rumours were that Laengen could be replaced by Jonas Koch (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe), but the German rider has opted to retire and so the experienced Norwegian will continue to guide his younger teammates on and off the bicycles.
Tim Wellens renews with UAE Team Emirates XRG until the end of 2027
The final renewal, that of Julius Johansen, is also for another year, until the end of the 2026 season. The 26-year-old Dane is a domestique that UAE Team Emirates – XRG used a lot over the past season, lining up for more than 25 different races and completing 93 racedays – one of the highest amounts across the peloton.
The former junior world champion was however not selected for any of the three Grand Tours and despite some promising results, will have to step up his game to prove that he belongs on this level and earn another renewal.