Matxin warns the peloton about Pogacar: 'This year he will have even a little more progression'

After three consecutive seasons at the top of the world rankings, UAE begin 2026 with both confidence and caution. “When you achieve something difficult, you realise that arriving is not the hardest part, staying there is,” Matxin said to Marca. 

At the centre of it all stands Pogačar, the rider Matxin describes as uniquely versatile. “He is working hard, as always, and in a very professional way. He faces the season with big objectives and we hope, together, to achieve them.” 

Balancing the spring Monuments with the Tour de France remains complex, but with Pogacar, Matxin insists, complexity becomes manageable. “He is perhaps the most versatile rider I have seen in my life. One of the few who can start all five Monuments as a favourite and still dominate completely different races.”

Physically, little changes between spring and summer. “His weight does not vary much,” Matxin explained. “In summer he looks more defined because of racing rhythm and the heat, but his body composition is very stable. With someone like Tadej, you do not worry about half a kilo at the beginning of the year.”

The real shift, according to his manager, is internal. “His age is helping him progress in every aspect. That maturity and experience make him better, help him understand himself better, train better and manage his efforts better.” 

Then there is the line that lingers. “This year he will have even a little more progression.”

Pressed on Pogačar’s weaknesses, Matxin is clear. “He does not have one. And if he did, I would not tell you so his rivals could study it.”

Behind the Slovenian, the team continues to evolve. Young talents such as Isaac del Toro are learning in his slipstream. “When a young rider is winning and is a good person, it is actually easy,” Matxin said about the Mexican prodigy. “He has a big heart, he is respectful and when he has to assume responsibility, he does it. He is learning from the best.”

Even setbacks are framed through long term perspective. Injuries to Jay Vine, Jhonatan Narváez and Mikkel Bjerg have disrupted early plans, yet optimism remains. “We want to improve on what we achieved last year,” Matxin insists. “If we did it once, why not again?”

His personal future is tied closely to the Emirati project. “UAE Team Emirates is my family. They have shown trust in me on a sporting and personal level. I will be here as long as the UAE family wants me.”

For 2026, the ambition is simple and bold. “To win one more race than last year, to win with one more rider, and to keep Tadej as the best cyclist and UAE as the best team in the world.”

UAE got off to a flying start in 2026 with no fewer than 12 wins by 14 February, compared to six in 2025. And Pogačar has not even raced yet. The world champion will make his season debut at Strade Bianche on 7 March.