Diego Ulissi joins Tadej Pogacar in committing future to UAE Team Emirates

Italian's new deal takes him through to the end of 2022

Diego Ulissi of UAE Team Emirates celebrates his second place at the Tour Down Under in January 2020. Getty

Italian cyclist Diego Ulissi has signed a contract keeping him at UAE Team Emirates until the end of 2022.

“I am very happy with this renewal," Ulissi said. "For years now I have been part of this team which has become a second family for me. I am looking forward to continuing to work together on the UAE Team Emirates project in the next few years and as always giving 100 per cent."

Ulissi, 30, has been with Team Emirates since its inception in 2017 and has proven one of its most versatile and consistent members.

He started the year in fine form, finishing second at the Tour Down Under and helped teammate Tadej Pogacar to a stage win at the UAE Tour before it was called off mid-race due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

"We are working well together and the results of the last few years back this up," Ulissi added. "I want to say thank you to Mauro Gianetti and Matxin [Joexean Fernandez, general manager] for always believing in me and all the staff who allow me to always give my best.”

Team principal Gianetti said: "Diego is a very important element for our team. He has shown an amazing consistency performing at the highest level and has proved very reliable in that regard. On and off the bike he is proving to be a good leader, which is important for the team environment and the growth of the group as a whole."
Ulissi becomes the second rider to commit his long-term future to Team Emirates after Pogacar signed a new five-year contract last week.