Tadej Pogacar extends UAE Team Emirates contract to 2032

Tadej Pogacar has committed his future to UAE Team Emirates, signing a contract extension that will keep him with the team until 2032. The announcement comes as the Slovenian superstar recovers from a dramatic crash that forced him out of the Vuelta a España and ended his 2026 season.

Pogacar's long-term future is secured

Pogacar, 27, confirmed his new deal on Friday, September 5, 2026. He has been with the UAE squad since 2019, a period during which he has won five Tour de France titles. "From the beginning, this team has felt like home for me," Pogacar said. "We have grown together over the years and shared some incredible moments, so I’m very happy to extend my contract until 2032." The rider expressed gratitude for the team's trust and stated his belief that it remains the right environment to pursue his remaining goals in the sport.

A season-ending crash in Spain

The contract news follows a painful conclusion to Pogacar's Grand Tour campaign. He crashed during the eighth stage of the Vuelta a España on Saturday, August 30. The incident occurred with just over 30 kilometers remaining in the stage from Pucol to Xeraco. Pogacar had been leading the race by a commanding three minutes and 50 seconds after winning the opening stage, positioning him as the clear favorite for overall victory.

His team later confirmed the Slovenian would not return to competition for the remainder of the 2026 season. "Of course, this isn’t the way I wanted my season to finish," Pogacar acknowledged. "Right now, the most important thing is to recover properly and give my body the time it needs." He plans to support his teammates from home before targeting a full return next year.

Pogacar shares his condition from hospital

On Sunday, August 31, Pogacar broke his silence from his hospital bed. He posted an Instagram Story showing him wearing a neck brace, with a plaster near his right eyebrow and on his right hand. He accompanied the image with the Bee Gees' track Stayin' Alive, striking a resilient tone. In the photo, he held up a "punk rock" hand sign.

A detailed medical report from UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s medical director, Adrian Rotunno, outlined the injuries. Pogacar was diagnosed with a concussion, a displaced left clavicle fracture, a stable C7 cervical fracture, and multiple abrasions. Rotunno stated Pogacar suffered "no other major injuries and no neurological fallout." The concussion delayed necessary surgery on his broken collarbone. The severity of these injuries makes it highly unlikely he will be fit to defend his road world title in late September in Canada.

Looking ahead to 2027 and beyond

With his future team secured, Pogacar's immediate focus is entirely on rehabilitation. The long-term contract provides stability for both the rider and UAE Team Emirates as they plan for future Grand Tour campaigns. Pogacar called the 2026 season one with "many special moments" and expressed pride in the team's achievements before his crash. His extended deal signals a shared ambition to add more major victories to a palmares that already marks him as one of the sport's all-time greats.

• Contract Secured: Tadej Pogacar signs a new deal with UAE Team Emirates, binding him to the team until 2032.
• Season Over: A crash on August 30 during the Vuelta a España's eighth stage ended Pogacar's 2026 campaign.
• Significant Injuries: He sustained a concussion, a broken collarbone requiring surgery, a stable neck fracture, and multiple abrasions.
• Resilient Post: From his hospital bed on August 31, Pogacar shared a photo with the caption Stayin' Alive.