With Pogacar at the forefront, Majka remains an essential part of the UAE Team Emirates setup. As he looks towards 2025, he is focused on maintaining his performance at the top level, while aiming for additional victories.
Rafal Majka has experienced many phases in his cycling career, from playing a
supporting role for Alberto Contador to becoming a team leader, and now, he’s
a reliable domestique for the exceptional Tadej Pogacar. Over the years,
Majka’s ability to remain a top climber has impressed many, and he credits
much of his longevity to the environment and motivation provided by his
team, UAE Team Emirates.
In an insightful interview with Bici.Pro, Majka shared his thoughts on racing
alongside Pogacar, describing the Slovenian rider as an extraordinary talent.
“When you find yourself in a breakaway with twenty riders and you know that
if you accelerate, he’ll just take off… this guy is a phenomenon,” Majka said,
acknowledging Pogacar’s almost otherworldly ability to outclass his
competitors. Their partnership began in 2021 when Majka joined the UAE
Team Emirates roster, and he quickly assumed the role of a key helper for
Pogacar during his Tour de France victory.
As the team has strengthened over time, Majka’s position has evolved. While
he is still a fixture in races like the Giro d’Italia, where he played an integral
role in Pogacar’s success, Majka’s opportunities to be part of the front line
have become more limited. Still, his experience and expertise in the mountains
make him an invaluable asset to the team. “I was also preparing for the Tour
as a first reserve. I’ve been to France with Tadej twice, and I’ve already won
once in 2021. But in the end, the team had great riders for both flat and
mountainous terrain,” Majka explained. “Not everything always goes as
planned, but the important thing is that Tadej still won—the Giro, the Tour,
and even the World Championships.”
While Majka may not always be the headline figure, his reliability and
experience as a domestique have made him indispensable. His deep
connection with Pogacar is one of the main driving forces keeping him at the
top of his game, despite the passage of time. Reflecting on this partnership,
Majka expressed awe at Pogacar’s consistency. “Before, I was a captain. Now,
I’m enjoying riding my bike. I’ve never seen a rider like him in my life,” he
said. “He’s humble, stable, and always the same person. But when he gets on
his bike, what I see is a terminator. He’s out to destroy everything in his path.”
Majka also touched on Pogacar’s decision to change coaches ahead of the 2024
season, a move that’s already paying off. “You can see the difference after a
couple of years of working the same way. When you feel the urge to change,
the team is fully supportive,” Majka said. “I’ve been with the same coach for
four years, but I’m also planning to make a change for 2025. I need to focus on
different training methods, and this team will support me with everything,
from training to nutrition. Choosing the right riders is crucial, and Matxin
does an excellent job with that.”
In his earlier years with teams like Tinkoff and BORA, Majka fought for Grand
Tour results, claiming stages and taking on leadership responsibilities. But
over time, the pressures of being a team leader began to take a toll. “After eight
years leading at BORA, it became mentally heavy. It was a constant stress, and
it affected my family life. I couldn’t find a perfect balance,” he revealed. This is
when he made the decision to join UAE Team Emirates, a move that
rejuvenated his career.
Reflecting on his time with UAE, Majka expressed gratitude for the trust and
confidence shown by team managers Matxin and Gianetti. “These four years
with UAE have flown by. It’s incredible how quickly time passes when you feel
supported,” he said. “Even when I renewed my contract for the Giro this year,
everything was agreed on smoothly. I give 100 percent for the team, but next
year, I also want to win a race.”
Majka’s journey, from leader to domestique, reflects the evolving nature of
professional cycling. While his role may have changed, his dedication to the
sport and his team has never wavered. With Pogacar leading the way, Majka
remains a vital cog in the UAE Team Emirates machine, and as he looks ahead
to 2025, he’s determined to continue competing at the highest level, with one
eye on securing more victories.
