'We want to keep growing' - UAE Team Emirates-XRG aim to improve on record-breaking 2025

Joxean Fernández ‘Matxin’ has insisted that his record-breaking UAE Team Emirates-XRG team aren’t looking to rest on their laurels, and instead aims to continue to find ways to improve and set new heights in 2026 and beyond.

After achieving 97 victories in 2025, UAE Team Emirates-XRG broke a 16-year-old record set by Columbia of 85 victories in 2009, a staggering achievement, but it’s the manner in which his team did so that impresses Matxin the most.

"We didn't quite reach 100, but we almost did, we set a record. Honestly, I've never experienced anything like this. The numbers are impressive, but what I value most is the way we achieved it," Matxin told MARCA.

World champion Tadej Pogačar spearheaded this achievement with 20 victories, including the Tour de France, three monuments and the world title, but in total 20 different riders were victorious for the team in 2025, illustrating the strength in depth when it comes to leadership and winners packed across the squad. 

"The key is to give everyone space," said Matxin. "We stick to our criteria and rules. There are good times and bad times, but everyone knows what is expected of them. That way, every rider knows where they are going and what they have to do.

"Managing so many stars and so many egos requires clarity. Everyone knows their role, when they have freedom and when they have to work for the team. The secret is to keep your word and enjoy collective success." 

Despite rumours about Pogacar potentially targeting the Giro-Vuelta double in 2026, Matxin maintained that the team's primary target remains a record-equalling fifth Tour de France victory next July. "In principle, the Tour and the World Championships. That's what's planned. Then we'll see. If one day he decides to change, he'll do it out of passion, not strategy."

With an ever-growing palmares and a bucketload of potential to improve further, Isaac del Toro has established himself as one of the best riders in the peloton, despite only being 21 years old. Naturally, the hype around the Mexican is significant, and whilst Matxin acknowledged the advantage of Del Toro as an asset for the team, he remained grounded in his approach, considering his age.

"Del Toro gives us room to change our approach," said Matxin. "He's intelligent, humble, hard-working. He has tremendous potential. There's no rush, but his presence broadens our options in many races," said Matxin of Del Toro, who rounded out his campaign by winning the Mexican national road race and time trial events last week.

Matxin also acknowledged how the team’s success has placed a target on their back, and that other teams look at them as the current powerhouse in the sport, and the challenges his team has to adapt to as a result.

"When you realise you've been the best team in the world, you also realise that many are taking note. They know how you race, when you attack, what you're looking for. And that forces you to evolve," Matxin explained.

After such a dominant campaign, Matxin identified the main challenge ahead is about maintaining the hunger to improve as a team and set even bigger heights, as other teams try to reach their current level. "When things go so well, the danger is to become complacent. That's why we're already thinking about 2026. We want to keep growing. Winning is fine, but the important thing is how you win. Our obligation is not to lose our passion."