Tadej Pogačar has once again proven himself as one of cycling's elite, clinching the 2025 UAE Tour by not just riding to victory but defining the final stage at Jebel Hafeet with his commanding performance. The Slovenian cyclist, representing UAE Team Emirates-XRG, finished the last stage with breathtaking anticipation, marking his third consecutive overall title at this prestigious event.
The day saw Pogačar engaging strategically with his team from the outset. The stage commenced at the Al Ain Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, leading competitors on a challenging 176 km route filled with flat desert roads before the tough 10.9 km ascent to Jebel Hafeet—a climb notorious for separating the champions from the rest.
Unlike previous editions, the stage was anything but predictable. Riders battled the elements from the very beginning, with fierce crosswinds causing splits and chaos within the peloton. Early on, strong competitors faced adversity, including Chris Froome, whose team was dealt significant setbacks as crashes took several riders out of contention.
A major move soon developed involving riders like Alexey Lutsenko, his teammate Pier-André Côté, and others. This breakaway set the pace before the climb, but it was Pogačar who remained focused on maintaining his lead position. His prowess as one of the strongest climbers became apparent as he navigated the treacherous final kilometers.
Pogačar's teammates, Rune Herregodts and Florian Vermeersch, were indispensable parts of his successful strategy, strategically managing water and energy supplies as Pogačar approached the mountain's steep slope. This consensus allowed him to conserve energy and prepare for the moment to strike.
With 7.6 km left to the finish, Pogačar did not hesitate. "I decided to go solo, and I didn’t want to be surprised... so it was my best option to go at my own pace to the top," he explained. The world champion attacked decisively, leaving his competitors trailing as he ascended with unwavering strength. He reported pushing impressive metrics, averaging 6.71 watts per kilogram as he rode alone to victory.
Giulio Ciccone, riding for Lidl-Trek, finished second on the day, arriving 32 seconds behind Pogačar, showcasing his own determination to claim the runner-up spot overall. Pello Bilbao from Bahrain Victorious rounded out the podium, finishing third after fighting hard to keep pace. They all battled fiercely, yet none could match the brilliance demonstrated by Pogačar this week.
Reflecting on the day, Pogačar stated, "A lot of guys had the last day to do something today. With the crosswinds, it was good to make some chaos..." He highlighted not just the physicality required but also the tactical shrewdness necessary to navigate such pressures. The mental fortitude shown by the top riders ensured no shortage of excitement during the UAE Tour's final race.
The overall classification reflected the stage results perfectly, with Ciccone finishing second overall, 1:14 behind Pogačar, and Bilbao taking third, just 1:19 back. The afterglow of victory saw Pogačar celebrating his dominance, already marking his preparations for the European season ahead.
Beyond personal victories, additional honors were awarded at the conclusion of the UAE Tour. Jonathan Milan, who had two stage wins, earned the green points jersey, showcasing his consistent speed throughout the race. Iván Romeo captured the white jersey for best young rider, demonstrating the bright future of cycling talent. Lastly, the black intermediate sprints jersey went to Đorđe Đurić, marking the importance of various aspects of the tour.
Every participant left the UAE Tour knowing they faced great competition, but it was Tadej Pogačar who treated fans to yet another spectacle of cycling excellence. The 2025 event undoubtedly set the stage for what promises to be another thrilling European cycling season with Pogačar at the forefront, lighting the way for aspiring champions.