In a move that could significantly impact the world of professional cycling, Tadej Pogacar’s trusted personal soigneur, Joseba Elguezabal, has departed UAE Team Emirates to join Athletic Club’s backroom staff. This quiet yet profound shift marks a notable disruption in the reigning world champion’s tightly knit inner circle, raising questions about how Pogacar and his team will adapt. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Elguezabal’s exit is just the latest example of a growing trend—cycling experts crossing over into elite football. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about staff transitions; it’s about the transfer of specialized knowledge and methodologies that could reshape how athletes are supported across sports.
Elguezabal, 44, has been a cornerstone of Pogacar’s daily routine since the Slovenian star joined UAE Team Emirates. His role extended far beyond logistical support; he was the first to greet Pogacar at the finish line, intimately familiar with the rider’s physical cues, mood, and recovery needs. This level of trust and understanding made him indispensable, and his departure leaves a void that won’t be easily filled. Is this a minor setback or a potential turning point for Pogacar’s dominance?
This crossover isn’t isolated. Merijn Zeeman, former director of Visma, left cycling to join AZ Alkmaar, and Inigo San Millan, Pogacar’s ex-performance coach, returned to football as Athletic Club’s performance director. These moves highlight a broader pattern: cycling’s expertise is increasingly valued in football’s high-stakes environment. But for UAE Team Emirates, Elguezabal’s exit hits closer to home. Sources describe Athletic Club’s offer as a “unique opportunity” for his career, yet it leaves UAE with a delicate task: replacing someone so deeply embedded in Pogacar’s rhythm during a time when marginal gains are more critical than ever.
Soigneurs like Elguezabal rarely make headlines, but their absence is felt immediately. For Pogacar, whose success relies on a stable, trusted environment, this shift could be a subtle yet significant challenge. As Athletic Club celebrates a strategic hire, UAE Team Emirates must seamlessly integrate a successor while maintaining the stability that has underpinned Pogacar’s triumphs. Will this transition be a mere footnote in Pogacar’s career, or could it signal a shift in the balance of power in professional cycling? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
