Pogacar aims big after extending contract with UAE Team Emirates

Tadej Pogacar (centre) will stay with the UAE team until the end of the 2024 season (Supplied photo)

Rising Slovenian star Tadej Pogacar was delighted after extending his contract with the UAE Team Emirates on Sunday.
The 21-year-old cyclist will stay with the UAE team until the end of the 2024 season.
"I am happy to continue my relationship with UAE Team Emirates.  I turned professional here and I feel very comfortable with everyone," the Komenda-born rider said on Sunday.
Having impressed with his solid performance last year, especially at the 2019 Vuelta a Espana where he won three stages, Pogacar is now looking forward to building on his success at the UAE Team Emirates.
"I believe in the team and I want to be part of this ambitious project. The next five years will be fundamental for the team and for my career, with the hope that they will be fruitful years for both parties," the talented rider said.
Meanwhile, Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, president of the team, heaped praise on Pogacar and hailed the impact made by the UAE Team Emirates.
"Our team has a long-term plan and we are happy that such a talented young man like Tadej has committed to our project," Al Dhaheri said.
"We are a young but very ambitious team.  The aim is not only to win the most important races in the world, but also to promote healthy lifestyles in the United Arab Emirates. Tadej will help us in both ways because in the UAE they have gone crazy for the team and its cyclists."
Team Principal Mauro Gianetti said Pogacar embodies all the qualities that top professional teams crave.
"Pogacar represents the type of rider that each team would like: talented with a strong will to learn every day.  Values ??that will project him to the top of world cycling," Gianetti said.
"Tadej won everyone over - not only with his results, but also with his attitude. The rest was just a matter of doing the paperwork."
rituraj@khaleejtimes.com