UAE Team Emirates look set to welcome another three new signings ahead of the 2022 season as George Bennett, Alvaro Hodeg and Marc Soler all pen 2-year deals with the Emirati squad. 

 

George Bennett, a 31-year-old climber from New Zealand is the current New Zealand road race champion and competed for his country at the recent Olympics in Tokyo. The kiwi has put pen to paper on a deal which will see him in the colours of UAE Team Emirates next season, with the new contract running until the end of 2023.

 

Bennett said, “I’m really excited about my move to UAE Team Emirates. I’m looking forward to helping the team reach new heights across many races. I have seen the team take huge steps forward every year and this progression is something I really want to be a part of.

There’s an exciting group of young guys coming through at UAE and it’s great to be joining that environment and bringing my experience to the team.”

 

Mauro Gianetti (CEO & Team Principal) added, “George is one of the best climbers in the peloton and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team. He brings a lot of experience and we feel he can play a pivotal role both through his sporting qualities and also as a reference for some of our younger riders. 

 

Colombian, Alvaro Hodeg holds 13 professional victories to his name since he joined the World Tour in 2018 and will also join the team starting from the 2022 season in a 2-year deal.

 

Joxean Matxin Fernandez (Team Manager) said, “Hodeg is a huge talent. He has a lot of quality and is not only a talented bike racer but also a great person and the type of athlete we want in our team.

 

We are convinced that cycling has not seen the full potential yet of what this guy can do. We want to see him get the best out of himself and I hope we’ll see him hit his stride here together with us at UAE.”

 

Alvaro Hodeg said, “I’m arriving to the team with a lot of desire and ambition. It’s a similar feeling of excitement to when I first started riding bikes. The people I know in the team have spoken very highly about it and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. I’m ready to work hard to achieve great things together here at UAE.”

 

The third addition, 27-year-old, Marc Soler has also signed a 2-year contract as UAE Team Emirates continue to strengthen their squad for the future. 

 

Marc Soler said, “I’m very pleased to be joining UAE Team Emirates and looking forward to the new adventures and challenges ahead. I’m coming here with a lot of excitement and with desire to work hard and enjoy this new chapter.

 

After 7 years at Movistar I think now is a good time in my career to look for new challenges and I thank them dearly for all our years working together and wish them all the best for the future. I’m ready for this new step.”

 

Joxean Matxin Fernandez (Team Manager) said, “It’s no secret that Marc Soler is one of the finest riders in the pro peloton and we believe he carries all the key attributes and the racing mentality to fit in well to this team. He’s an attacking rider, a fighter, and his personality and mental qualities are things that make him unique. He has his own distinctive racing style and character, and we are excited to bring him on board into a team where I believe he will adapt to very well.”

The trio join an extremely healthy roster alongside Joao Almeida and Pascal Ackermann who have already been confirmed to join.