UAE Team Emirates – XRG, as it is known today, was created in 2017 out of the former Lampre-Merida project. For much of its existence it was a mostly Italian-based team, however over time this has changed quite a bit, and currently it has evolved into the world’s wealthiest and most successful team by far, led by Tadej Pogacar who was its prime signing in 2019. But, who has spent more time than the Slovenian in the team?The answer is Norway’s Vegard Stake Laengen, a reliable domestique who is the only rider that has been with the team since its very start. Furthermore, he was signed specifically that year and didn’t carry over from the Lampre structure as several other riders did. Laengen is still racing with the team, serving as a road captain all year long for its many leaders, and continues to have a contract until 2026 after the team renewed with the 36-year old this winter.
Second comes Diego Ulissi, who was part of the former Lampre but carried over to UAE from 2017 to 2024. He left the team this year, but left a large mark in its history, becoming the second rider to win the most behind only Tadej Pogacar. The veteran is one of the riders with the most longevity in the peloton and his success continues to be remembered today, even though he continues to win – now with XDS Astana Team.
Tadej Pogacar was signed in 2019 and has now raced seven seasons with the team, he is the third most experienced rider in the team’s structure together with several others. At the time, he joined UAE together with Juan Sebastián Molano and the Oliveira twins – Rui and Ivo. All of which continue to race with the team beyond 2025. Jan Polanc and Alessandro Covi have also spent seven seasons with the team but for now that number won’t increase, with the Slovenian retired and Covi leaving towards Team Jayco AlUla this winter. Mikkel Bjerg and Brandon McNulty are the two riders who have six seasons under their belt and may go up the charts next year.
Vegard Stake Laengen has been part of UAE Team Emirates – XRG since its creation. The collaboration hasn’t ended yet. @Sirotti
Riders with the most years at UAE Team Emirates – XRG