UAE Team Emirates secures key support riders on long term deals

UAE Team Emirates-XRG have confirmed that Brandon McNulty has sealed a long-term contract extension with the team.

The American has extended with the Emirati team with a deal that runs through until the end of the 2030 season.

“It’s a nice prospect to continue racing with UAE Team Emirates-XRG for the foreseeable future,” said McNulty in an official statement. “I’ve been with the team for several years now, and it’s a place where I’ve been able to grow a lot as a rider and as a person.”

McNulty made the step up to WorldTour level with UAE from Rally back in 2020, and the American has made a significant contribution to the team in his six and a bit seasons.

In total, McNulty has scored 20 victories with the team, including winning stages at both the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España. 

2025 was one of his best seasons yet, with his first WorldTour stage race and WorldTour one-day victories coming in the shape of the Tour de Pologne and GP Montréal, as well as GC wins at the Tour de Luxembourg and Cro Race.

McNulty also played a key part in Tadej Pogačar’s success at Milan-Sanremo in March, with the American setting up the World Champion’s attack on the Cipressa.

“We’ve achieved some great things together, and I feel like I have the right balance here, I feel at home,” added McNulty. “Signing through 2030 gives me a lot of confidence and motivation to keep working hard and reaching goals with this team.”

It was also widely reported on Monday that Florian Vermeersch had committed his long-term future to the team, following speculation that he could move elsewhere with teams such as Alpecin-Premier Tech vying for his signature.

However, Vermeersch’s contract extension was also officially confirmed by UAE with the Belgian signing a contract through until the end of 2029, putting an end to any further speculation.

“I’m really happy to continue with UAE Team Emirates-XRG for the coming years,” said Vermeersch. “Since joining the team, I’ve felt a lot of trust and support, which has allowed me to grow as a rider and take steps forward.”

Vermeersch signed for UAE in 2024 from Lotto on a two-year deal and has enjoyed a strong Classics campaign this season. 

He was a key lieutenant for Pogačar at the Tour of Flanders, where he finished 7th himself and also finished 3rd at Omloop Nieuwsblad and the E3 Saxo Classic.

“We’ve already had some great results together, but I believe there is still a lot more to achieve both for me personally and for the team,” said Vermeersch. “Extending until 2029 gives me the stability to keep improving and chasing big goals.”

“It feels like a special group of people here and I’m happy to be staying,” concluded Vermeersch.