**Celebrating More Than Wins: UAE Team Emirates-XRG on World Bicycle Day**
On World Bicycle Day, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG made headlines not just for their racing accomplishments, but also for their increasing contributions to community engagement and sustainability. This Emirati squad has become a formidable presence in professional cycling, and their efforts beyond the racetrack are garnering significant global recognition.
**Prestigious Nominations at UCI**
This week, the team received two prestigious nominations from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) that highlighted their commitment to inclusivity and environmental sustainability. They were nominated for the Cycling for All Award thanks to their youth-focused UAE Team Emirates-XRG Academy, and the Climate Action Award for their ambitious “Road to Net-Zero” initiative. These awards underscore the team’s holistic approach to cycling, demonstrating their influence beyond competitive success.
Mauro Gianetti, the team principal and CEO, expressed pride in these recognitions. “As we celebrate World Bicycle Day, we’re incredibly proud to see our work recognized on the global stage with nominations for both the UCI Cycling for All Award and the UCI Climate Action Award,” he stated. Gianetti emphasized how these honors reflect their dedication to grassroots engagement and sustainability in cycling.
**Nurturing Future Cyclists**
A cornerstone of UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s community engagement is the UAE Team Emirates-XRG Academy, launched in 2025. This initiative aims to inspire the next generation of cyclists and has already reached over 700 schoolchildren with more than 80 hours of coaching conducted in schools. The program has ambitious plans to expand its reach, with an aim to connect with an additional 1,300 students by the year’s end.
Gianetti remarked, “The UAE Team Emirates-XRG Academy, Powered by ADNOC, is central to this vision, helping us inspire the next generation of cyclists and create meaningful change in our communities.” He also acknowledged the critical support from ADNOC, stating, “Without them, this wouldn’t be possible. The opportunities ahead are endless for our team, for young riders, and for the continued development of cycling across the region.”
**A Remarkable Racing Season**
While their community initiatives are commendable, UAE Team Emirates-XRG is equally impressive on the racing front during the 2025 season. The team has not only claimed landmark victories at prestigious events like the Tour of Flanders and Liège-Bastogne-Liège but has also secured podium finishes at other significant races including Milano-Sanremo, Paris-Roubaix, and the Giro d’Italia. Their ongoing success builds on a dominant stretch that started last season, reinforcing their status among the elite in pro cycling.
Reflecting on the remarkable journey, Gianetti noted, “The growth of the team over the past eight years has been extraordinary. Our success is driven by the talent and dedication of our riders, the expertise of our staff, and the incredible support from the leadership of the country, our partners, and fans.” He acknowledged the rapid growth of cycling in the UAE, emphasizing that the team is proud to contribute to this momentum every day.
