**The Vibes Are Amazing: UAE Team Emirates-XRG Unveils Star-Studded Squad to Support Tadej Pogačar’s Bid for a Fourth Tour de France Victory**
As the summer of 2025 approaches, excitement is mounting within the cycling community, particularly among fans of one of the sport’s most charismatic and talented riders—Tadej Pogačar. The Slovenian superstar, already a legend in the making, is gearing up for what could be his most ambitious challenge yet: securing a historic fourth overall victory at the Tour de France, a feat that would place him alongside the sport’s all-time greats like Chris Froome.
The Core of the Team: Unwavering Stability and a Slight Change
One of the most noteworthy aspects of UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s 2025 Tour lineup is the remarkable stability of their selection. The core roster, which was initially announced last winter, remains largely unchanged. This consistency underscores the team’s confidence in their riders and their strategic planning, which is crucial in a race as unpredictable and grueling as the Tour de France.
However, there is a subtle yet significant change: Jhonatan Narváez replaces Juan Ayuso in the team’s roster. This alteration, while minor on paper, reflects the team’s dynamic approach to race strategy, balancing experience, versatility, and emerging talent. Ayuso, who was initially co-leading the team’s Grand Tour ambitions in both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, opted to focus on his Giro campaign, where he aimed to contend for the general classification alongside Adam Yates. His decision to withdraw from the Tour, coupled with the team’s confidence in Narváez, highlights the depth and flexibility of UAE Emirates-XRG’s roster.
Jhonatan Narváez: The New Force
At 28 years old, Ecuadorian rider Jhonatan Narváez is stepping into the Tour de France scene for the first time, but he’s no stranger to the rigors of Grand Tour racing. His experience includes five Giro d’Italia starts, where he has demonstrated resilience, tactical intelligence, and a potent sprinting ability. Notably, Narváez’s performance in the 2024 Giro was exceptional—he managed to outpace Pogačar on the opening stage, claiming the maglia rosa and establishing himself as a rider to watch.
Narváez’s strengths lie in his versatility. His one-day racing prowess, combined with his climbing ability and stage-hunting instincts, make him an asset for Pogačar, especially during the challenging, hill-laden stages of the first ten days of the Tour across northern and western France. His fresh legs and tactical awareness could be pivotal during breakaways or in supporting Pogačar during critical moments.
The Veteran Presence: Marc Soler and the Experienced Crew
At the other end of the spectrum, Catalan rider Marc Soler has been a steadfast companion of Pogačar since 2022, participating in every Tour since then. Soler’s experience and aggressive racing style provide a stabilizing influence within the squad, especially during the unpredictable early stages and in mountain encounters.
Alongside Soler, the team features seasoned riders like Adam Yates and João Almeida—both with impressive Grand Tour credentials. Almeida, who finished fourth overall in the 2024 Tour, and Yates, a Tour podium finisher in 2023 and sixth in 2025, exemplify the team’s depth. Their presence ensures that UAE Emirates-XRG has multiple options and strategic flexibility, whether in chasing stage wins, defending the general classification, or managing race dynamics.
Building a Strong, All-Rounder Lineup
UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s lineup is a carefully curated assembly of all-rounders and climbers, aligning perfectly with their strategic focus on supporting Pogačar’s GC ambitions. Notably, the team has opted not to field a sprinter alongside Pogačar, emphasizing their commitment to a GC-focused approach rather than sprint-stage specialization. This decision underscores their confidence in their climbers and time-trialists to handle the race’s mountainous and time-trial stages, where decisive gaps are often made.
Pogačar’s Perspective: Confidence and Determination
Tadej Pogačar, the team’s charismatic leader, expressed his enthusiasm and readiness ahead of the race. “I’m excited for the Tour to start,” he said in a recent press release. “I’ve had close to the perfect preparation this year—everything has gone really smoothly, especially coming off a great altitude camp with my teammates. The vibes in the team are amazing right now, and that gives me a lot of confidence.”
His comments reflect a deep sense of motivation and unity within the squad. Pogačar’s statement about the unpredictable nature of the Tour highlights his understanding that, despite meticulous preparation, race-day conditions and rival strategies can always throw surprises.
The Quest for a Historic Fourth Victory
Pogačar’s goal is nothing short of historic: to become only the second rider after Chris Froome to win four Tour de France titles. Froome’s four victories (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017) set a benchmark that Pogačar is determined to match or surpass. With his current total of three wins (2019, 2020, and 2021), he is eager to cement his legacy further.
He will face stiff competition from fellow giants Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease A Bike), Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep), and Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe). Vingegaard, the reigning champion, will be defending his title with relentless determination, while Evenepoel, known for his exceptional time-trialling and climbing, will be aiming to upset the GC hierarchy. Roglič, a multiple Grand Tour winner himself, remains a formidable adversary.
Pogačar’s strategic focus will be on maximizing his strengths—climbing prowess, tactical intelligence, and stage-attack capabilities—while leveraging his team’s depth to neutralize threats and capitalize on opportunities.
Iconic Stages and the Battle for Paris
The 2025 Tour promises an exciting mix of opening flat stages, unpredictable breakaway opportunities, and a grueling mountain finale culminating in the iconic Parisian Champs-Élysées. Pogačar anticipates intense competition during the initial days, which are expected to be open and aggressive, setting the tone for the race. The latter stages will feature legendary climbs—such as Alpe d’Huez, Mont Ventoux, and the Col du Tourmalet—and time-trial segments that could be decisive for the overall classification.
The final week, renowned for its physical and psychological demands, will test the endurance and resilience of every contender. Pogačar’s confidence in his team’s support and his own preparation makes him a strong favorite, but he remains respectful of the formidable opposition.
Special Edition Kit and Team Spirit
Adding to the excitement, UAE Team Emirates-XRG has announced they will debut a special-edition kit at the Tour de France—a tribute to the team’s heritage, ambitions, and the spirit of racing. While details are yet to be revealed, the kit’s unveiling will undoubtedly be a highlight, symbolizing the team’s unity and pride.
The Vibes Are Truly Amazing
As the peloton prepares to embark on what promises to be a thrilling edition of the Tour de France, the sense of anticipation and positive energy within UAE Team Emirates-XRG is palpable. The team’s cohesive roster, strategic vision, and unwavering belief in their leader set the stage for a compelling battle across the French landscape.
Tadej Pogačar’s quest for a fourth Tour victory is more than a personal ambition; it’s a testament to his relentless pursuit of greatness and the team’s collective ambition to etch their name in cycling history. With the vibes “amazing” and the team’s spirit high, fans around the world can expect a race filled with drama, skill, and unforgettable moments.
**Stay tuned for a Tour de France that promises to be as historic as it is exhilarating, with UAE Team Emirates-XRG at the heart of the actions
