Pogačar to Skip 2025 Vuelta a España, UAE Team Emirates Hands Leadership to Almeida and Ayuso.
In a strategic move that has stirred discussion in the professional cycling world, UAE Team Emirates has officially confirmed that Tadej Pogačar will not participate in the 2025 edition of the Vuelta a España.
After a grueling and highly successful season—highlighted by his fourth Tour de France title and multiple Monument victories—the Slovenian star has opted to take a well-earned break, shifting the team’s focus to younger talents João Almeida and Juan Ayuso for leadership in Spain.
A Season of Total Domination
The decision comes on the heels of what many are calling one of the most dominant seasons in modern cycling history.
Pogačar stormed through the spring classics, claiming victories at Strade Bianche, Tour of Flanders, La Flèche Wallonne, and Liège–Bastogne–Liège. He also came close to winning Paris–Roubaix, finishing second despite a mid-race crash, and narrowly missed the top spot at the Amstel Gold Race.
Most notably, Pogačar clinched his fourth yellow jersey at the Tour de France, further solidifying his place among cycling’s all-time greats.
His aggressive riding style, stage wins in the mountains, and tactical brilliance made him the undisputed leader of the 2025 Tour. Given the intensity of his campaign across both one-day and stage races, the decision to skip the Vuelta seems both practical and wise.
Strategic Rest and Recovery
UAE Team Emirates’ management emphasized the importance of long-term planning and rider health in their announcement. “Being Tadej Pogačar is nice, but it’s not easy,” commented team director Joxean Fernández Matxin.
“This season has demanded an extraordinary physical and mental effort. The decision to rest is not about missing a race—it’s about sustaining greatness over time.”
Pogačar’s own comments have hinted at a maturing outlook on his career. In recent interviews, he has acknowledged the toll the sport takes and expressed a desire to remain at the top without burning out.
Although under contract through 2030, the Slovenian has spoken candidly about possibly retiring after the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The decision to skip the Vuelta is part of a larger plan to balance performance, longevity, and personal well-being.
The Rise of Almeida and Ayuso
With Pogačar out of the picture for the Vuelta, UAE Team Emirates is turning the spotlight onto João Almeida and Juan Ayuso—two riders who have steadily developed into Grand Tour contenders.
Almeida, the Portuguese climber and time trial specialist, has consistently delivered top-10 finishes in stage races and has matured into a reliable leader. His calm demeanor and steady pacing make him ideal for a three-week contest like the Vuelta.
Ayuso, the 23-year-old Spanish phenom, is perhaps the most exciting young prospect in Spanish cycling. Having already finished on the Vuelta podium in previous editions, Ayuso brings local knowledge, climbing prowess, and youthful fearlessness to the table. With home support and increasing confidence, he’s expected to be a serious podium threat once again.
Looking Ahead
UAE Team Emirates is one of the most formidable squads in the peloton, and even without Pogačar, their ambitions remain high. With Almeida and Ayuso sharing leadership duties, the team will approach the Vuelta with tactical flexibility and a deep support roster.
The 2025 Vuelta could mark a generational shift—not just within UAE Team Emirates, but across the broader cycling landscape—as younger riders begin to step out of the shadows cast by superstars like Pogačar.
Meanwhile, the Slovenian champion will likely refocus on the Canadian classics, the upcoming World Championships in Rwanda, and potentially Il Lombardia and the European Championships.
Though absent from the Vuelta start line, Tadej Pogačar’s presence will still loom large over the cycling world—as both a reigning champion and a rider reshaping the very blueprint for long-term success in the sport.
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