The world's top cyclist, Tadej Pogacar, opens his 2025 season at the UAE Tour on Monday, eager to showcase his world champion's rainbow jersey on his team's home soil.

The 26-year-old Slovenian is the overwhelming favorite to claim his third title in the seven-day race, following his historic 2024 triple crown, where he secured victories in the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, and the World Championships.

As the reigning champion, the Team UAE Emirates rider will don the prestigious rainbow jersey throughout the season.

"Finally, I have the rainbow jersey. It feels unreal to ride every day with it, and to come here in the home country of the team with this jersey is amazing," said Pogacar.

Defending Champion And Sprint Battles

Also competing is defending champion Lennert Van Eetvelt, along with a strong lineup of elite sprinters, including Belgian stars Tim Merlier and Jasper Philipsen, who will look to dominate the four flat stages.

The race also features two mountainous stages and a time trial, but Pogacar believes the key to victory lies in handling the unpredictable desert winds.

"I believe the biggest gaps can open in echelons in the crosswinds," Pogacar said. Similar conditions recently caused chaos in the Saudi Arabian Al-Ula Tour, won by Tom Pidcock.

Packed Spring Schedule

Pogacar remains highly motivated heading into the season, reflecting on his meteoric rise since his breakthrough victory at the 2020 Tour de France.

"I'm eager and motivated to start the season. I'll give my best," he said.

The Slovenian star is set for another packed spring campaign, with an estimated earnings of over eight million euros ($8.4M) in 2025. He plans to race in three Monuments—Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, and Liege-Bastogne-Liege—along with five additional one-day classics.

"So far, I've started every single season with some doubts about my preparation. I hope my shape is good enough to compete at the highest level again. Fingers crossed that it's like last year," Pogacar added, referring to his triumph over Jonas Vingegaard at the Tour de France.

While his participation in the Giro d'Italia remains uncertain, Pogacar has confirmed his focus on the Tour de France and the World Championships in Rwanda this September.

Stage Breakdown And Key Contenders

The UAE Tour begins with a 138km flat opening stage from Madinat Zayed to Liwa Palace, followed by a 12.2km time trial on Tuesday and a decisive mountain finish on Stage 3 at Jebel Jais.

Three consecutive flat stages will provide a battleground for top sprinters, including Olav Kooij, Dylan Groenewegen, and Fabio Jakobsen.

Pogacar is expected to secure the overall victory on the final seventh stage at Jebel Hafeet, where Pello Bilbao of Bahrain Victorious is anticipated to be a strong contender.

Also lining up for the race is four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, adding further intrigue to the season opener.

The UAE Tour Stages (Feb 17-23, approx. 1000km)

• Stage 1 - Flat: Madinat Zayed - Liwa Palace (138km)
• Stage 2 - Time Trial: Al Hudayriyat Island (12.2km)
• Stage 3 - Mountain: Ras al Khaimah - Jebel Jais (181km)
• Stage 4 - Flat: Fujairah - Umm al Quwain (181km)
• Stage 5 - Flat: Dubai - Dubai (160km)
• Stage 6 - Flat: Abu Dhabi - Abu Dhabi Breakwater (160km)
• Stage 7 - Mountain: Al Ain - Jebel Hafeet (176km)