The UAE News report: UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogacar made the perfect start to the new season with a remarkable victory in the UAE Tour on Saturday.

The 22-year-old Slovenian won his maiden UAE Tour title as Australian rider Caleb Ewan clinched the seventh and final stage of the competition in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Pogacar’s victory on Saturday could not have tasted sweeter, having beaten Adam Yates for the title after the British rider had got the better of him in the coronavirus-curtailed event last year.

“I feel super amazing. It’s one of the best races, for sure, with a really good organisation, super good fans and support. I worked really hard for this, it’s really amazing, we’re happy and proud,” Pogacar told media at the post-event press conference.

The victory at the home event holds a special place in the heart of the UAE Team Emirates star.

He mentioned: “I feel so comfortable here in the UAE. Every time I come here it’s like I’m home. It’s hard to win this race, but everything is possible. We focused on this event and now we’ll take it step-by-step this season.”.

“We’ll do Tirreno and then take a rest. We go race by race. The UAE Tour is great for the beginning (of the season) and I enjoy it. Every single victory will stay in my heart and is special to me.”

Pogacar made his move for the overall leader’s position in Monday’s team trial before winning Tuesday’s stage. The talented rider then held onto his lead to deny Yates his second straight win here in the UAE.

Now victory in the season-opener will inspire Pogacar and the team to produce more such performances in the next events.

“My form is good. It depends on the day and the weather. But I think we’re well prepared. It’s going to be hard though. There are a lot of good fighters competing against us,” he said.

The Strade Bianche in Italy will be the next challenge for Pogacar.