UAE Team Emirates Matches 24-Year-Old Record with 19 Riders Winning in 2024

UAE Team Emirates Equals 24-Year-Old Record with 19 Riders Claiming Wins in 2024

UAE Team Emirates has solidified its reputation as one of the most dominant squads in professional cycling by adding two more victories to its tally during Saturday’s races. Juan Ayuso secured his fourth win of the year in the time trial of the Tour de Luxembourg’s 4th stage, while Filippo Baroncini celebrated his first professional win at the Super 8 Classic, a significant milestone in his career. These wins push the team’s total for the 2024 season to an impressive 75, a figure that demonstrates the breadth and depth of the team’s talent.

What makes this achievement particularly remarkable is that 19 different riders from UAE Team Emirates have contributed to this victory count. This means that nearly two-thirds of the 30-man squad have won at least one race this season. Such a feat equals the long-standing record set by Mapei-QuickStep in 2000, a team known for its dominance during that era. Matching this record highlights UAE Team Emirates’ ability to foster a winning culture across a wide range of riders, not just relying on a few superstars.

A key figure in the team’s success is none other than Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian sensation who has led the charge with 22 wins so far in 2024. Pogačar’s dominance is exemplified by his victories across prestigious races such as Strade Bianche, Volta a Catalunya, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Giro d’Italia. His stage wins in both the Giro and Tour de France this year have been especially significant, with 12 stage wins between the two Grand Tours alone. His tally of 22 victories is a remarkable number, surpassing the full season totals of most professional cycling teams.

While Pogačar is the team’s brightest star, the depth of talent on UAE Team Emirates is evident in the contributions of other riders. Marc Hirschi, set to leave the team after this season, has contributed 8 wins, while Brandon McNulty and Adam Yates have added 7 and 6 wins respectively. Juan Ayuso, still only 21 years old, has emerged as a key figure with 4 victories, including his time trial win in Luxembourg.

The team’s total of 75 wins is the highest of any professional team since 2009, surpassing the likes of QuickStep’s best seasons in 2018 and 2019, when they managed 73 and 70 wins respectively. However, the UAE squad still has work to do if they aim to surpass Columbia-HTC’s record from 2009, where the team, powered by sprinters Mark Cavendish and André Greipel, achieved an astounding 85 wins.

One notable aspect of UAE Team Emirates’ achievements this season is the absence of dominant sprinters in their ranks. Unlike teams like Columbia-HTC, who relied heavily on sprinters to rack up wins, UAE’s victories have primarily come in the mountains, hilly terrains, and time trials. Colombian sprinters Juan Sebastián Molano and Alvaro Hodeg have yet to secure wins this year, highlighting how the team has succeeded in a variety of challenging environments that don’t necessarily cater to pure sprinters.

There are still 11 riders on the team, including seasoned competitors like Rafał Majka, Mikkel Bjerg, and Alessandro Covi, who have not yet secured a victory in 2024. Despite this, the team’s ability to consistently deliver wins across a wide range of races demonstrates the strength of their roster. With upcoming races like the Road World Championships and Il Lombardia still on the calendar, there’s potential for UAE Team Emirates to exceed their current total of 75 wins and possibly set a new benchmark by surpassing the Columbia-HTC record.

UAE Team Emirates’ 2024 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Their ability to field 19 different race winners, led by Pogačar’s exceptional performances, reflects the team’s unrivaled depth and adaptability. With more races still to come, the team is poised to further cement its place in cycling history.