UAE Team Emirates-XRG secure UCI World No.1 Team ranking for fourth successive season, with 78 victories across 2026

Tadej Pogačar claims historic fifth Tour de France title, while Isaac Del Toro and Brandon McNulty headline another remarkable year for the Emirati squad.
      
News | Team –20th October 2026

Tuesday 20 October, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – UAE Team Emirates-XRG have once again cemented their position at the pinnacle of professional cycling, securing the UCI World No.1 Team ranking for an extraordinary fourth consecutive season.

Building on their success in 2023, 2024, and 2025, the Emirati squad continued to demonstrate their dominance throughout the 2026 campaign, recording an impressive 78 victories and a further 82 podium finishes. In total, 19 different riders contributed to victories across the season, highlighting the remarkable depth, consistency, and collective strength of the world's leading cycling team.

The team's charge was once again led by Tadej Pogačar, who closes the season ranked as the UCI World No.1 Cyclist. The Slovenian superstar enjoyed another exceptional campaign, claiming 22 victories, including three of cycling's prestigious Monuments. His season was highlighted by a record-equalling Tour de France title, further cementing his position among the greatest cyclists in the sport's history.

Alongside Pogačar's achievements, Isaac Del Toro enjoyed a standout season, establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in professional cycling. The Mexican delivered a memorable victory for the team on home roads at the UAE Tour before going on to claim prestigious stage race titles at Tirreno-Adriatic and the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Del Toro's remarkable rise continued at the Tour de France, where he secured a podium finish in the general classification and claimed the coveted White Jersey as the race's best young rider.

The team's success was further highlighted by Brandon McNulty's stunning victory at the UCI Road World Championships in Montréal. Producing an unforgettable performance on the world stage, the American claimed the rainbow jersey and ensured the prestigious title remained within UAE Team Emirates-XRG for a third consecutive season, following Pogačar's victories in 2024 and 2025. The achievement provided another defining moment in a campaign that showcased the quality and versatility of the squad.

UAE Team Emirates-XRG Team Principal and CEO, Mauro Gianetti, said: "To finish the season as the number on team in the world for the fourth consecutive year is an incredible achievement and something we are all immensely proud of. This success reflects the hard work and dedication of our riders, staff, and partners, with the strength and depth of our squad playing a huge role throughout the season. We are proud to continue representing the UAE at the highest level, while inspiring the next generation and helping to grow cycling across the country."

Away from the road, UAE Team Emirates-XRG continued to make a lasting impact within the local community through the XRG Cycling Academy, Powered by UAE Team Emirates-XRG. The initiative reached more than 2,000 children throughout the 2025/26 season, introducing young people across the UAE to cycling while developing essential skills, confidence, and a passion for active lifestyles. Building on this success, the Academy will launch its 2026/27 season at the annual UAE Team Emirates-XRG Cycling Festival on 31 October, where the team will come together with fans, families, and the wider cycling community to celebrate another historic year.

As UAE Team Emirates-XRG bring another remarkable season to a close, their fourth consecutive UCI World No.1 ranking underlines an era of sustained excellence at the highest level of professional cycling. With an exceptional blend of established champions and emerging talent, the Emirati squad continue to set new standards on the international stage, while inspiring the next generation of cyclists in the UAE.