Golden Statue of Tadej Pogačar Unveiled in Abu Dhabi as Part of UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s End-of-Season Celebrations
Abu Dhabi, UAEIn a grand celebration marking the culmination of a remarkable cycling season, UAE Team Emirates-XRG unveiled a stunning golden statue of one of its most celebrated cyclists, Tadej Pogačar, in Abu Dhabi. The event, held at a prominent public venue, attracted thousands of fans, team members, dignitaries, and media personnel, all eager to honor the Slovenian prodigy whose performances have captivated cycling enthusiasts worldwide.
The golden statue, meticulously crafted by renowned artists and sculptors, stands as a testament to Pogačar’s extraordinary achievements and unwavering dedication to the sport. Standing approximately 3 meters tall, the sculpture depicts Pogačar in his iconic racing posture — pedaling vigorously with focus and determination etched into his expression. The choice of gold symbolizes not only his status as a champion but also his shining presence in the world of professional cycling.
The unveiling ceremony was a highly anticipated event, reflecting Pogačar’s pivotal role in elevating the team’s profile on the global stage. It also underscores the UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s commitment to honoring their athletes and inspiring future generations of cyclists. The event was attended by team management, sponsors, sports officials, and a host of fans from across the region and beyond.
Team principal, Andrea Guazzini, delivered a heartfelt speech emphasizing Pogačar’s contributions to the team’s success and his influence as a role model. “Tadej has exemplified perseverance, resilience, and excellence throughout his career. This statue is a symbol of our admiration and gratitude for his dedication, and it will serve as an inspiration for young cyclists in the UAE and around the world,” Guazzini stated.
In a special speech, Tadej Pogačar expressed his gratitude and humility. “It is an incredible honor to have a statue dedicated to me in Abu Dhabi. I am grateful for the support of my team, sponsors, and fans. This recognition motivates me to continue striving for greatness and to push the boundaries of what I can achieve,” he remarked.
Creating the golden statue was a meticulous process involving multiple stages of design, modeling, and casting. The artists aimed to capture not only Pogačar’s physical likeness but also his spirit and determination. The sculpture was cast in high-quality gold-plated materials, giving it a luminous and majestic appearance that glows under sunlight and artificial lighting alike.
The unveiling coincided with UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s end-of-season celebrations, which included awards ceremonies, team retrospectives, and community outreach programs. The season was marked by numerous victories and milestones, including:
Pogačar’s back-to-back victories in the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, showcasing his versatility and resilience.
-One-Day Classic WinsNotable wins in prestigious one-day races, reaffirming his status as a formidable classics rider.
Youth and Talent Development:The team’s investment in nurturing young talent, with several emerging riders making significant strides.
The statue’s unveiling has resonated deeply within the cycling community, both locally and internationally. It serves as a symbol of sporting excellence and the potential of athletes from diverse backgrounds to achieve greatness through dedication and hard work.
For fans and aspiring cyclists, the statue is more than a work of art; it is a source of inspiration. Pogačar’s story of rising from a young talent in Slovenia to one of the world’s top cyclists exemplifies perseverance and passion.
UAE Team Emirates-XRG plans to include the statue as part of their broader community engagement initiatives. They aim to organize educational programs, youth cycling clinics, and promotional events centered around the statue to promote cycling culture in the UAE and the Middle East.
