DEAL ACCEPTED: UAE Team Emirates captain Tadej Pogačar signs a 4-year contract with Ineos Grenadiers, worth $109 Million as their new…..

**DEAL ACCEPTED: UAE Team Emirates captain Tadej Pogačar signs a 4-year contract with Ineos Grenadiers, worth \$109 Million as their new team leader**

In a transfer move that has stunned the cycling world, UAE Team Emirates captain and two-time Tour de France champion **Tadej Pogačar** has signed a monumental 4-year contract with **Ineos Grenadiers**, worth a staggering \$109 million. The deal makes him the highest-paid cyclist in history and firmly positions Ineos back at the forefront of Grand Tour contention.

The announcement was confirmed by Ineos on Monday morning, ending weeks of speculation that the British-based team was preparing a blockbuster offer to lure Pogačar away from UAE. The Slovenian superstar, widely regarded as the most dominant all-round cyclist of his generation, will lead the Grenadiers through the 2029 season.

“I’m incredibly grateful to UAE for everything we’ve achieved together, but I felt it was time for a new challenge,” Pogačar said in a statement. “Ineos Grenadiers has a legendary legacy, and I’m thrilled to join a team with such ambition and depth. We’re going to chase every title together.”

At just 26 years old, Pogačar has already amassed an extraordinary palmarès: two Tour de France titles, a Giro d’Italia victory, wins at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Il Lombardia, and the Tour of Flanders, as well as multiple stage races and a UCI World Championship podium.

**Strategic Shift for Ineos**
The move signals a dramatic strategic pivot for Ineos Grenadiers, who have struggled in recent years to replicate the dominance they enjoyed during the Froome-Thomas era. Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford called the signing a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

“Tadej brings brilliance, unpredictability, and a winning mentality. He’s exactly what we need to lead the next era of Ineos Grenadiers cycling.”

The \$109 million contract includes extensive performance incentives, global brand partnerships, and a leading role in shaping the team’s competitive calendar and race strategy. It is believed to be backed in part by new corporate sponsorships set to be unveiled later this season.

**Repercussions Across the Peloton**
UAE Team Emirates now faces the daunting task of rebuilding around its young talents such as Juan Ayuso and João Almeida. Meanwhile, the arrival of Pogačar at Ineos may lead to changes in leadership roles for riders like Geraint Thomas, Egan Bernal, and Carlos Rodríguez.

Cycling analysts are already predicting a fierce three-way rivalry in the 2026 Tour de France between Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard of Visma-Lease a Bike, and Remco Evenepoel of Soudal–Quick-Step.

**Looking Ahead**
Pogačar is expected to make his Ineos debut at the 2026 Critérium du Dauphiné before leading the team at the Tour de France. Fans are already dubbing the upcoming Tour the most anticipated in a generation.

With this landmark move, Ineos Grenadiers have made their intentions clear: they are back—and with Tadej Pogačar in the saddle, the road to yellow just got steeper for everyone else.