UAE Team Emirates retains key domestique Jhonatan Narváez through 2029

UAE Team Emirates‑XRG announced that Ecuadorian rider Jhonatan Narváez has extended his contract with the squad until the end of 2029. Narváez, who joined the team in 2025 after a stint with Ineos Grenadiers, said, “I am very happy to have extended my contract with UAE Team Emirates‑XRG. From the moment I arrived I felt the team’s trust and knew this was the right place for me.” The renewal secures one of the sport’s most versatile domestiques for Tadej Pogačar’s lead‑out train.

In Slovenia, the national cycling championships began in Karteljevo, with the world champion Tadej Pogačar absent. Former world champion Primož Roglič entered as the primary favourite for the time‑trial title, while a strong field of 165 riders contested both the individual and team events. The women's race noted the withdrawal of Urška Žigart after a crash in Switzerland, with Nika Bobnar positioned as the top contender.

Team director Matxin Joxean Fernandez highlighted Pogačar’s leadership and tactical acumen as the squad’s greatest asset, describing the rider as a “gentleman on and off the bike.” The comments came ahead of the Tour de France, underscoring the broader focus on team dynamics and future talent development within UAE Team Emirates.