UAE Team Emirates-XRG Successfully Defend UAE Tour Title on Home Roads

UAE Team Emirates-XRG claim the best overall team title in front of the home fans

News | Team –24th February 2026

As the curtain falls on the 2026 edition of the UAE Tour, UAE Team Emirates-XRG can look back on a home race defined by control, character, and the confirmation of a new-born star. Across 7 stages, the team rode with authority, claiming two stage wins, the best team classification, and the overall general classification through Mexican prodigy Isaac Del Toro.

The race began in the desert of Abu Dhabi with what many expected to be a routine day for the sprinters. UAE Team Emirates-XRG rode with composure, protecting their leaders and guiding themselves safely towards the short false-flat finish. But calm quickly turned to chaos. Sensing opportunity, Del Toro launched a blistering acceleration from deep, catching the peloton off guard. The young Mexican carved out a gap and held it all the way to the line. One stage. One victory. The red jersey secured. A perfect beginning on home soil.

Stage 2 brought the sharp and technical time trial on Al Hudayriyat Island. As race leader, Del Toro rolled down the ramp last, unfortunate timing as the wind shifted and conditions worsened. As predicted, Time Trial World Champion Remco Evenepoel delivered a masterclass, edging out Josh Tarling by 6”. Del Toro fought bravely against the elements, limiting his loses to 32”. The red jersey changed shoulders, but the GC battle was far from decided. The climbs were on the horizon.

Stage 3 introduced the stunning yet brutal Jebel Mebrah (15KM at 12%). UAE Team Emirates-XRG took command of proceedings on the flat approach, positioning themselves perfectly for the first major climbing test. Once the gradients increased, the peloton thinned out rapidly. Bahrain-Victorious seized control, setting a fierce tempo. When Antonio Tiberi launched an attack alongside a select group, Del Toro momentarily appeared under pressure. But with a determined look in his eye, and wingman Adam Yates by his side, he refused to yield. Grinding back towards the leaders, he clawed his way back into contention. Tiberi proved strongest on the day, but Del Toro’s resilience saw him limit loses to just 15”, keeping his ambitions intact ahead of Jebel Hafeet.

Stages 4 and 5 in Fujairah and Dubai offered respite for the climbers and a battleground for the sprinters. Italian powerhouse Jonathan Milan demonstrated his dominance on the flat roads, storming to two victories and reminding the peloton of his superiority in the fast finishes.

Then came the decisive showdown on the slopes of Jebel Hafeet. Crosswinds tested the peloton throughout the day, but UAE Team Emirates-XRG remained vigilant. As the road tilted upward, Florian Vermeersch took his turn on the front before new signing Kevin Vermaerke began to set the pace. Adam Yates then delivered one of his trademark relentless tempos, reducing the field to only the GC favourites. Then Del Toro struck.

A ferocious acceleration whittled the contenders down to just two, Del Toro and race leader Tiberi. The Italian fought valiantly, but with 2.7KM remaining, Del Toro release a second, more violent attack. This time there was no response. The 22-year-old soared clear, riding with poised aggression all the way to the summit. Stage victory. Red jersey reclaimed. The home race back in UAE Team Emirates-XRG hands once again.

As the peloton rolled back into Abu Dhabi for the final stage, Isaac Del Toro stood tall. UAE Tour winner. Best young rider. Two stage wins. A performance that confirmed his status as one of cycling’s most exciting emerging talents. Alongside the overall victory, UAE Team Emirates-XRG secured the best team classification, a testament to the collective performance across the week.

Now, the focus shifts to the spring classics, where UAE Team Emirates-XRG will once again set out to animate the race and entertain cycling fans across the globe.