Pogacar Starts 2025 Season at UAE Tour

Tadej Pogacar, the world's top cyclist, kicks off his 2025 season at the UAE Tour, where he is favored to win his third title while donning the world champion's rainbow jersey. Following a historic triple crown in 2024, Pogacar expressed excitement about racing in his team's home country, stating it feels unreal to wear the prestigious jersey. The UAE Tour features a mix of flat stages, mountainous routes, and a time trial, with Pogacar emphasizing the challenge posed by the desert winds that could impact race dynamics. Competing alongside him are defending champion Lennert Van Eetvelt and elite sprinters like Tim Merlier and Jasper Philipsen. Pogacar has a busy spring ahead, planning to participate in three major monuments and several classic races, while aiming for top performance despite his usual pre-season preparation doubts. He is set to earn over eight million euros this year as he continues to build on his impressive career since bursting onto the scene at the 2020 Tour de France.