Imagine being one of the youngest riders on the planet’s most dominant cycling team, yet feeling like your very strength is what’s holding you back. That’s the paradox Jan Christen finds himself in. The rising Swiss star, contracted with UAE Team Emirates-XRG until 2030, is part of an elite group that includes two Spanish prodigies and the legendary Tadej Pogačar. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite his undeniable talent, Christen admits he’s battling his own attacking instincts, fearing they might be the very thing keeping him from reaching his full potential. And this is the part most people miss—even with a secure future, he’s acutely aware of the fierce internal competition within UAE, where simply being strong isn’t enough to claim leadership.
Christen’s journey in 2025 has been a rollercoaster. With two wins under his belt, including a standout second place at the Clásica San Sebastián and a stellar performance at the Tour of Poland, he’s proven his mettle. Yet, setbacks like illness and a broken collarbone have tested his progress in just his second year as a WorldTour rider. Is it possible that too much talent on one team can stifle individual growth? Christen doesn’t think so. He credits the internal rivalry at UAE for keeping him sharp, emphasizing that earning leadership isn’t just about performance—it’s about convincing the team you’re the right choice in a squad brimming with winners.
‘The competition is what drives us,’ Christen explains. ‘With so many riders capable of winning, you have to prove yourself every day, both in training and on the road. It’s not just about being good; it’s about being seen as the best.’ This mindset has pushed him to refine his strategy, focusing on preparation and consistency to stand out in a team where nearly 20 riders have collectively won close to 100 races in a single year.
Even with his long-term contract, Christen isn’t resting on his laurels. In China, while Jhonatan Narváez leads the charge, Christen hints at UAE’s collective ambition: ‘It’s not about one rider winning—it’s about the team securing the victory.’ This team-first mentality, however, raises a question: Can a rider truly thrive when their success is so deeply intertwined with others? Christen seems to think so, drawing confidence from the team’s faith in him while still chasing personal glory.
Looking ahead to 2026, Christen’s goals remain fluid, pending UAE’s training camp decisions. But his passion for one-day classics like Flèche Wallonne, Amstel Gold Race, and San Sebastián is clear. He also dreams of making his Grand Tour debut, though his focus remains on one-week stage races. ‘It’s about setting new benchmarks,’ he says. ‘But I won’t lose sight of what got me here.’
So, here’s the question for you: In a team as stacked as UAE, is individual success a byproduct of collective dominance, or does it risk getting lost in the shuffle? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
