Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) delivered a masterclass performance, winning both the final stage atop Jebel Hafeet and securing his third overall victory at the UAE Tour.

The World Champion was untouchable on the final climb, launching a blistering attack 8 kilometers from the finish, dropping his closest rivals Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) and Oscar Onley (PostNL) with ease. Crossing the line solo, Pogačar took his fourth career stage win on Jebel Hafeet, further cementing his dominance on this race’s signature climb.

Pogačar’s Attack: A Familiar Yet Unstoppable Move

With teams like Alpecin-Deceuninck and Soudal Quick-Step trying to shake up the race in the early crosswind sections, the peloton split before the final climb. But once Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates squad hit the base of Jebel Hafeet, the script was inevitable.

At 7.8 km to go, Pogačar surged, and within 400 meters, the front group had exploded. Ciccone and Onley fought to hold his wheel but couldn’t match his relentless pace.

"The last stage went so fast because it was the last day for some riders who didn't have a GC contender in their team and wanted to train for the opening weekend in Belgium next week. Crosswinds were suitable to make some chaos in the peloton. It split. Us, the GC riders, had to be attentive. 

"Somehow it worked although at first I didn't believe it was the right move. For me it was a really good day. I wouldn't mind to go easy to the climb and cool myself instead, but it was a good situation with Rune [Herregodts] and Florian [Vermeersch] to the front. 

"As Rune pulled off, it was my time to attack and go solo. I didn't want to be surprised by a counter attack or anything. It was better to go at my own pace. Now I won't take part in any stage race until June so I will switch my mind to one day classics and I hope to do well there also."

A Third UAE Tour Title For Pogačar

This victory marks Pogačar’s third overall UAE Tour title, adding to his wins in 2021 and 2022. He now has 91 career pro victories, including three already in 2025.

Though Ciccone and Onley battled bravely, they simply had no answer to the rainbow jersey’s acceleration. Behind them, Finn Fisher-Black, Pello Bilbao, and Pablo Castrillo rounded out the top six, but the fight for second place was more exciting than the battle for the win.

Pogačar’s UAE Tour dominance is a reminder that he’s in terrifying form ahead of the Spring Classics and the Tour de France.

What’s Next For Pogačar?

With his first stage race of the season secured, Pogačar now turns his attention to Europe. Next up? Strade Bianche and the Spring Classics, where he’ll aim to add even more historic wins to his name.

Pogačar’s form is already looking ominous, and with major one-day races like Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège on his calendar, he is set to be a dominant force throughout the spring.

His biggest rivals, Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, will be waiting for him in the Classics, setting the stage for thrilling battles over the cobbles and hills of Europe.

And beyond that? The Tour de France. Pogačar has already confirmed his participation in July, where he will look to defend his yellow jersey against the likes of Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel.

Can anyone stop Pogačar’s unstoppable form? So far, the answer is clear: No.