Pavel Sivakov, the talented Russian-French rider, recently expressed his satisfaction with his role as a domestique for UAE Team Emirates, where he supports one of the world’s top cyclists, Tadej Pogačar. In an interview, Sivakov explained why he’s content with helping Pogačar chase victories, rather than positioning himself as a rival to the Slovenian superstar. “It’s better to be a teammate of riders like Tadej Pogačar than to fight against them,” Sivakov stated, highlighting the advantages of being part of such a successful and well-coordinated team.
Sivakov, who joined UAE Team Emirates after several seasons with INEOS Grenadiers, is a strong rider in his own right, having achieved notable results in Grand Tours and stage races. However, he acknowledged that riding in service of someone like Pogačar comes with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. “When you’re part of a team that’s built around a rider like Tadej, the whole structure is focused on winning, and that’s an exciting environment to be in,” he said.
Sivakov’s role as a domestique involves sacrificing personal ambitions to help his team leader succeed, whether that means controlling the peloton, chasing down breakaways, or setting a high pace on the climbs. He understands the importance of teamwork in professional cycling and feels that working alongside a rider of Pogačar’s caliber gives him the opportunity to contribute to some of the sport’s biggest victories. “It’s a privilege to support a rider who can win the biggest races in the world, and I’m happy to play my part,” he added.
The 26-year-old also highlighted the camaraderie within UAE Team Emirates, noting that the team’s success is built on strong relationships and trust between the riders. “We all know our roles, and we’re focused on the same goal: winning. That makes everything easier.”
For Sivakov, being a domestique for Pogačar is not a step down but rather a unique chance to be part of something special. “I’ve been a leader in races before, but being alongside someone like Tadej in the biggest races is a great experience. I’m learning a lot, and it’s an exciting time for me,” he concluded.
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