For Rune Herregodts, a young rider who has been steadily climbing through the ranks of professional cycling, his upcoming debut with UAE Team Emirates is more than just another milestone in his career. It’s a chance to ride alongside one of the sport’s brightest stars: Tadej Pogacar. But for cycling fans, Herregodts’ excitement over this partnership presents a rather controversial angle. Is it a genuine admiration for the Slovenian sensation, or simply a calculated move to secure a spot in one of the most successful teams in the world?
Herregodts’ enthusiasm about the prospect of lining up next to Pogacar, the two-time Tour de France winner, is understandable on the surface. After all, who wouldn’t be thrilled to ride alongside one of the best cyclists of his generation? However, beneath the surface, questions arise about what this dynamic means not only for Herregodts but for the future of UAE Team Emirates.
A New Era at UAE Team Emirates
Rune Herregodts, who made a name for himself at Soudal-QuickStep, made headlines when he signed with UAE Team Emirates for the 2024 season. While his talent is undeniable, the question remains whether his role at the team will be more than just a footnote in Pogacar’s shadow. The team, long known for its incredible infrastructure and formidable squad, has traditionally been built around Pogacar’s Tour ambitions. But with the arrival of Herregodts, fans are left wondering: is the team shaping up to be a one-man show, or will they allow other riders to carve out their own legacies?
Herregodts’ comment, “Being at the start of a race with Tadej will of course be special,” seems harmless enough at first glance. Yet, it unwittingly hints at a deeper, potentially uncomfortable reality for the 24-year-old. In cycling, it’s all too common for young talent to get sidelined when paired with a dominant rider like Pogacar, who has been the focal point of UAE Team Emirates since his arrival. If Herregodts’ career trajectory follows the traditional trajectory of support riders, he may spend much of his time helping Pogacar achieve his goals, with his own aspirations relegated to the background.
While there is no question that Pogacar is a once-in-a-generation talent, this dynamic can stifle growth for other riders, particularly those hoping to make their own mark. Herregodts’ comment may, in part, reflect an exciting, idealistic perspective of the situation, but it raises the uncomfortable question: Will Herregodts’ “special” experience be a fleeting one, overshadowed by the team’s almost obsessive focus on Pogacar?
The Pogacar Shadow: A Blessing or a Curse?
Pogacar’s dominance in cycling is undeniable, and it has allowed UAE Team Emirates to secure some of the most coveted victories in the sport. However, the team’s tight focus on him has led to criticisms over the years, particularly from fans and analysts who argue that the team lacks depth beyond their star. This leads to a stifling environment for talented riders like Herregodts, who may not get the chances to shine independently.
While some may view riding alongside Pogacar as a golden opportunity, others may see it as a constant reminder of the tough road ahead. The overwhelming attention placed on Pogacar could lead to Herregodts being perceived as an afterthought, regardless of his potential. It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of a team whose primary aim is winning the biggest races in the world – and Pogacar, naturally, becomes the centerpiece of those ambitions.
Herregodts will have to navigate the pressure of not only being in Pogacar’s shadow but also being constantly measured against a cyclist who seems invincible. After all, while Pogacar makes history on the climbs of the Tour, what role will Herregodts be left to play? And if he’s relegated to a supporting role for the foreseeable future, how will that impact his future career?
Is There Room for Herregodts to Rise?
Despite these concerns, it’s not all doom and gloom for Herregodts. There is room for him to develop, both as a rider and as a potential leader in his own right. But whether UAE Team Emirates will allow this to happen, or if they will continue to be solely focused on Pogacar’s supremacy, remains to be seen. Cycling is notoriously difficult when it comes to breaking through, especially when teams are unwilling to pivot from a winning formula.
If Herregodts hopes to make a name for himself, he will need to seize any opportunity given to him, proving he’s more than just a cog in the Pogacar machine. His ability to capitalize on his talents could define his future, but the pressure of competing for attention and support in a team obsessed with victory at all costs may prove overwhelming.
A Special Start or a Strangled Future?
The most troubling aspect of Herregodts’ debut isn’t his excitement to race with Pogacar, but rather the potential constraints the team’s structure might place on his growth. In a sport where the path to success is fraught with individual sacrifice, will Herregodts be another rider whose talents fade into the background while Pogacar’s star continues to shine?
Cycling is full of “special” moments, but whether Herregodts will be able to carve out his own legacy or remain in Pogacar’s shadow is the real question. Ultimately, being at the start of a race with Tadej might indeed be special, but whether it will truly be meaningful for Herregodts in the long term is a different matter entirely.