Kevin Vermaerke to Join Top Tour de France Team in 2026
Kevin Vermaerke Joins UAE Team Emirates-XRG, set to Support Pogacar and Chase Grand tour Ambitions
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American rider Kevin Vermaerke will join UAE Team Emirates-XRG for the 2025 season, the team announced today. The move represents a significant step up for the 23-year-old, who has consistently demonstrated strong potential in stage races and one-day classics. He’ll be joining forces with cycling superstar and current World Champion Tadej Pogačar, aiming to contribute to the team’s continued success in major tours and challenging races.
A Rising Star’s Journey to the WorldTour
Vermaerke, currently riding for Lifeplus Bordeaux-Scott, has been steadily building his reputation as a versatile and tenacious competitor. While he’s yet to secure a professional victory, his consistent high placings speak volumes about his capabilities. He recently finished sixth overall in the Arctic Race of Norway, building on impressive third-place finishes in the same race in both 2023 and 2024. these results highlight his ability to perform under pressure in challenging northern European conditions.
His early career was nurtured through the Hagens Berman-Axeon team, a renowned development program that has launched the careers of numerous successful professional cyclists. It was with Axeon that Vermaerke showcased his talent for classics, winning the prestigious under-23 Liège-Bastogne-liège in 2019 – a victory that signaled his potential for a luminous future in the sport.
aligning with a World-Class Team
The opportunity to ride alongside Tadej Pogačar, the winner of both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France in 2024, is a major draw for Vermaerke. he’ll also benefit from the support of a team consistently ranked among the best in the world.
“We are very pleased to welcome Kevin to our team,” said team CEO and team principal Mauro Gianetti. “He’s a young, versatile rider and has already shown he can compete at the highest level. We believe he can continue to grow in our environment and become an important part of our team structure, both in stage races and the one-day calendar.”
Ready for the Next Level
Vermaerke himself expressed his excitement about the move, emphasizing his desire to continue developing as a rider. After five seasons with his current team, he feels ready for the challenges and opportunities that UAE Team Emirates-XRG will provide.
“I am incredibly excited to join UAE Team Emirates-XRG next year and start a new chapter in my career,” Vermaerke stated. “I’ve grown a lot over the last few years but I feel that the team environment of UAE, with the level of the riders and attention to detail, will be the change I need to take the next step.”
He’s particularly looking forward to learning from the best in the world and contributing to the team’s ambitions. “I’m really looking forward to learning from the best in the world and contributing to the team’s success next season.”
What This Means for Vermaerke and UAE Team Emirates-XRG
This signing is a strategic move for UAE Team Emirates-XRG,adding depth and versatility to their already impressive roster. Vermaerke’s skillset complements Pogačar’s strengths, and his ability to perform in both stage races and one-day events makes him a valuable asset.
For Vermaerke, this is a chance to prove himself on the biggest stage, surrounded by world-class riders and a dedicated support staff. He’ll have the opportunity to learn from the best, develop his skills, and perhaps play a key role in the team’s future successes, including challenging for Grand Tour contention in the years to come. Fans can expect to see vermaerke contributing to team victories and developing into a key lieutenant for Pogačar and other team leaders.