UAE Team Emirates named world no.1 team for 4th straight season

UAE Team Emirates-XRG have once again cemented their position at the pinnacle of professional cycling, securing the UCI World No.1 Team ranking for an extraordinary fourth consecutive season.

Building on their success in 2023, 2024, and 2025, the Emirati squad continued to demonstrate their dominance throughout the 2026 campaign, recording an impressive 78 victories and a further 82 podium finishes.

In total, 19 different riders contributed to victories across the season, highlighting the remarkable depth, consistency, and collective strength of the world’s leading cycling team.

The team’s charge was once again led by Tadej Pogačar, who closes the season ranked as the UCI World No.1 Cyclist.

The Slovenian superstar enjoyed another exceptional campaign, claiming 22 victories, including three of cycling’s prestigious Monuments. His season was highlighted by a record-equalling Tour de France title, further cementing his position among the greatest cyclists in the sport’s history.

Alongside Pogačar’s achievements, Isaac Del Toro enjoyed a standout season, establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in professional cycling.

The Mexican delivered a memorable victory for the team on home roads at the UAE Tour before going on to claim prestigious stage race titles at Tirreno-Adriatic and the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Del Toro’s remarkable rise continued at the Tour de France, where he secured a podium finish in the general classification and claimed the coveted White Jersey as the race’s best young rider.

The team’s success was further highlighted by Brandon McNulty’s stunning victory at the UCI Road World Championships in Montréal. Producing an unforgettable performance on the world stage, the American claimed the rainbow jersey and ensured the prestigious title remained within UAE Team Emirates-XRG for a third consecutive season, following Pogačar’s victories in 2024 and 2025. The achievement provided another defining moment in a campaign that showcased the quality and versatility of the squad.

UAE Team Emirates-XRG Team Principal and CEO, Mauro Gianetti, said: “To finish the season as the number on team in the world for the fourth consecutive year is an incredible achievement and something we are all immensely proud of.

“This success reflects the hard work and dedication of our riders, staff, and partners, with the strength and depth of our squad playing a huge role throughout the season.

“We are proud to continue representing the UAE at the highest level, while inspiring the next generation and helping to grow cycling across the country.”

Away from the road, UAE Team Emirates-XRG continued to make a lasting impact within the local community through the XRG Cycling Academy, Powered by UAE Team Emirates-XRG.

The initiative reached more than 2,000 children throughout the 2025/26 season, introducing young people across the UAE to cycling while developing essential skills, confidence, and a passion for active lifestyles.

Building on this success, the Academy will launch its 2026/27 season at the annual UAE Team Emirates-XRG Cycling Festival on Oct.31, where the team will come together with fans, families, and the wider cycling community to celebrate another historic year.

As UAE Team Emirates-XRG bring another remarkable season to a close, their fourth consecutive UCI World No.1 ranking underlines an era of sustained excellence at the highest level of professional cycling. With an exceptional blend of established champions and emerging talent, the Emirati squad continue to set new standards on the international stage, while inspiring the next generation of cyclists in the UAE.

Meanwhile, UAE Team Emirates-XRG announced that Pogacar has extended his contract with the team through to the end of the 2032 season, reaffirming the long-term commitment between the team and one of the defining riders of his generation.

Pogacar has been an integral part of the team since joining in 2019, growing alongside the organisation and achieving some of the greatest successes in the history of the sport.

Pogacar said: “From the beginning, this team has felt like home for me. We have grown together over the years and shared some incredible moments, so I’m very happy to extend my contract until 2032.