UAE Emirates-XRG kicked off the season strong with Jhonatan Narváez’s victory at the Tour Down Under, but the real start for the team begins at the UAE Tour—where Tadej Pogacar will make his return. After skipping the classics in 2024, Pogacar is back in 2025 as the reigning world champion, setting his sights on a packed schedule that includes Strade Bianche, Milan-Sanremo, E3 Saxo, Gent-Wevelgem, the Tour of Flanders, Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
Mikkel Bjerg, one of Pogacar’s key support riders, will be by his side in both the Flemish classics and the UAE Tour. Speaking to IDLProCycling.com in AlUla, Bjerg shared his thoughts on the team’s preparations and the impact of Pogacar’s return.
Bjerg believes Pogacar’s presence simplifies his job. “My responsibilities are well-defined, and I don’t need to perform any wild tricks myself,” he said. “If Tadej wants us to ride, we ride. His presence is a huge asset to our team.”
UAE Emirates-XRG already boasts a strong classics squad, with Florian Vermeersch, Jhonatan Narváez, Tim Wellens, Nils Politt, Antonio Morgado, and Filippo Baroncini forming a powerful lineup. “We have multiple options, and we’re well-prepared for most races,” Bjerg stated with a grin.
Last season, UAE Emirates-XRG showed their depth even without Pogacar, with Bjerg finishing fourth in Flanders between teammates Politt and Morgado. However, this year, things are different. “We need to understand how to use our best strategies in the final. Hopefully, we’ll secure more big wins,” Bjerg said.
When asked about Pogacar’s mindset ahead of his return to the classics, Bjerg revealed the Slovenian remains unfazed. “He’s not scared of those other guys,” he said, referring to Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. “For him, it’s just riding his bike and having fun. If others can keep up, then they probably deserve it.”
Bjerg recalled that in 2023, Pogacar was the only rider on the team bus who remained completely calm before Flanders. “If you have his legs, there’s no reason to be nervous,” he laughed. “He’s just on a different level when the race gets tough and long. He, Van der Poel, and Van Aert have that extra something. If you’re talking about riders who can dominate a Monument, you can count them on one hand—and Tadej is one of them.”
As for Bjerg’s personal ambitions this spring? “I want to help the team as much as possible. If a chance comes up, I’ll grab it. But let’s be honest—our whole squad is strong. There are six other guys who are just as eager to win,” the Dane concluded. “No matter what happens, I’m looking forward to it.”
