Tadej Pogačar Could Race Beyond 2030 as UAE Contract Extension Talks Begin

Tadej Pogačar is in negotiations with UAE Emirates-XRG over another contract extension, his agent confirmed to Velo on Wednesday, but denied reports that a new deal has already been signed.

The confirmation comes after journalist Daniel Benson reported that Pogačar had entered negotiations to extend his contract with UAE.

Pogačar’s agent Alex Carera told Velo that talks are ongoing between the world No. 1 and UAE, but clarified that the two sides have not yet reached or signed a new agreement.

Carera also said that no decision has been made on whether a new contract would add “one year, two years, or potentially more.”

More talks are expected in the coming days with team boss Mauro Gianetti and UAE team president Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, with Carera saying the sides will sit down in Monaco to work through the details.

Carera said negotiations will not be rushed and that conditions will be agreed upon “step by step, clause by clause.”

Deal could keep Pogačar racing into his mid-30s

The negotiations also suggest Pogačar is prepared to keep racing beyond his current contract through 2030, when he will be 32 years old.

Talks also give a strong hint that UAE is fully committed to the future of the team. Isaac del Toro recently signed a contract extension through the 2031 season.

Pogačar is already under contract with UAE since 2019, meaning any new agreement would extend one of the longest and most lucrative deals in professional cycling.

The Slovenian is widely regarded as the highest-paid rider in professional cycling, with his salary reportedly worth at least €8 million per season before bonuses are added on.

Carera did not reveals details about what a potential new contract might be worth.

The Slovenian’s extraordinary run of victories this season — capped by a record-tying fifth yellow jersey at the Tour de France — will only strengthen his negotiating position.

Pogačar enters the 2026 Vuelta a España this weekend as the favorite to complete his career sweep of cycling’s three grand tours.