Julius Johansen’s Remarkable Return to the WorldTour with UAE Team Emirates
The cycling world was taken by surprise when UAE team Emirates announced the signing of Julius Johansen, a former junior world champion, to their 2025 roster.The Dane, who spent the previous year at the continental level with Sabgal / Anicolor, is resolute to prove that his return to the WorldTour is fully justified.
Johansen’s journey has been anything but straightforward. After clinching the junior world championship title in 2017, he signed with Team coloquick. However, his transition to the Uno-X Pro Cycling Team in 2019 yielded no major results. In 2022, he joined Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux, but his inability to break through led to his contract not being renewed.
“I was super disappointed to leave the worldtour last year,” Johansen told cycling journalist Daniel Benson. “I had the chance to go to Sabgal, where I had quite an okay race program. I didn’t have the results that would lead to a contract with UAE, but I was lucky to have the chance to test with the team.”
Johansen’s perseverance paid off. “Fortunately, they needed someone with my qualities, and my tests were outstanding. That eventually led to a contract with the UAE,” he revealed. The 25-year-old described the moment he received the call from Matxin,UAE Team Emirates’ sports manager,as a “huge moment.”
“Since then, I’ve been super happy.It was a surprise, but I know I can reach the level needed. It’s up to me to show that this is my spot,” Johansen added.
The COVID-19 pandemic also played a meaningful role in Johansen’s career trajectory. “Maybe I could have shown more if I had been at the highest level,” he reflected. The disruptions caused by the pandemic likely hindered his ability to showcase his full potential.
Now, with UAE Team Emirates, johansen has a golden opportunity to reignite his career. The team’s decision to sign him underscores their belief in his abilities, and Johansen is eager to repay their faith.
Key Highlights of Julius Johansen’s Career
| Milestone | Details |
|——————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Junior World champion | Won the title in 2017 |
| Teams | team ColoQuick, Uno-X Pro Cycling, Intermarché-Wanty, Sabgal / Anicolor |
| 2025 Team | UAE Team Emirates |
| Career Turning Point | Outstanding performance in UAE Team Emirates’ tests |
Johansen’s story is a testament to resilience and determination. As he gears up for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on the Dane to see if he can reclaim his place among cycling’s elite.
For more insights into Johansen’s journey, check out his full interview with Daniel benson here.The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges for athletes worldwide, and for Danish cyclist Jonas Johansen, it was a period of stagnation and self-reflection. “I lost a lot of motivation during the pandemic and, thus, lost at least two years of my progress as we couldn’t ride races. I started eating to much and training less because I had little to be excited about,” Johansen admits. This dip in form and focus led to a challenging stint at Intermarché, where he struggled to meet expectations. “At Intermarché, Johansen did not have the required level as an inevitable result. and there was maybe also some miscommunication about my role within the team,” he recalls.
now, Johansen has a fresh start with UAE Team Emirates, where his role is crystal clear. “Now, I have an obvious role: I am one of the first to ride at the head of the pack in most races. From there, I can grow further,” he explains.among his new responsibilities is serving as a domestique for cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar, a role that comes with immense pressure but also unparalleled opportunities to learn and grow.
A Make-or-Break Season
johansen’s debut race for UAE Team Emirates will be the Tour Down Under, a pivotal moment in his career. With only a one-year contract and an uncertain race schedule, the 25-year-old knows this season is his chance to prove his worth. ”I have one year to prove myself, and that’s exactly what I wanted. They have confidence in me by giving me a contract, and I know my arrival surprised many. But I deserve this place and have worked vrey hard for it,” he says with determination.
The stakes are high. If johansen fails to deliver, this could be his last opportunity at the elite level. “This might have been my last chance if I had not performed this season,” he acknowledges. However, Johansen is ready to rise to the occasion. “I will continue to work even harder now that I have the opportunity to work with some of the best riders in the world. I still have room to grow and want to show the world I deserve this spot,” he concludes.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| New Team | UAE Team Emirates |
| Role | Domestique for Tadej Pogačar |
| Debut Race | Tour Down Under |
| Contract Length | One year |
| Career Goal | Prove his worth and secure a long-term position in the team |
Johansen’s journey is a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As he embarks on this critical season, all eyes will be on him to see if he can turn this opportunity into a career-defining moment. For more insights into the world of professional cycling, explore the latest updates on UAE Team Emirates and their roster.
