Jan Christen has prolonged his contract at UAE Crew Emirates XRG via 2030, securing one of many longest offers in skilled biking.
The Swiss super-talent joins the perfect rider on the earth, Tadej Pogačar, and Spanish climbing sensation Pablo Torres as riders confirmed on the Emirati group for the following six seasons. UAE even have younger stars Isaac Del Toro and Juan Ayuso signed on prolonged offers till 2029 and 2028 respectively.
Throughout the game, solely Wout van Aert doubtlessly has an extended contract after signing a novel career-long deal at Visma-Lease a Bike again in September.
“I’m very grateful for the group for displaying a lot belief in me. The chance to be on this surroundings which has been extremely supportive – each on and off the bike – is an actual privilege and I see it as the proper place for myself to develop as a rider and make the following steps in my profession,” mentioned Christen.
“I’m nonetheless studying day by day from the perfect teammates attainable and having fun with as a lot as I can with my toes on the bottom and numerous pleasure for what‘s to return.
“I’m assured that I’ll make large steps ahead within the coming years and obtain my large targets along with the group.”
Christen, 20, rode a formidable first full WorldTour season in 2024 that noticed him win thrice. Probably the most spectacular was a solo victory on stage 2 of Il Giro d’Abruzzo. Previous to that, he additionally managed fifth at Trofeo Laigueglia and second at Milano-Torino.
He is an attacking racer and has proven high quality on the worldwide stage as a former junior cyclocross world champion. Christen additionally impressed at his residence Worlds this previous September in Zurich the place he took third within the under-23 time trial and fourth within the street street after an extended solo assault.
Being a part of the identical group as Pogačar, an idol of Christen’s, additionally means displaying your value as a domestique for the reigning Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and world champion. On debuts at Il Lombardia and Strade Bianche, Christen proved his value as one of many early cogs in UAE’s practice.
“He’s a giant expertise and we consider he has the appropriate perspective and qualities to proceed his development with us,” mentioned group CEO Mauro Gianetti.
“In his first yr he has proven his capacity to win but in addition to be a part of a group and work as a group participant which is essential high quality for us. We wish to see him proceed to develop each as a rider and as an individual.”
