UAE: International Cycling’s Top Team Risks ‘Sportswashing’

Click to expand Image Cyclists during stage 14 of the 2026 Tour de France, July 18, 2026. © 2026 Gregory Van Gansen/Belga/Sipa USA via AP Photo (Beirut) – The United Arab Emirates’ cycling team Emirates-XRG risks “sportswashing” the country’s egregious human rights record, Human Rights Watch said today. The team’s principal sponsors are state-owned companies, and the team has stated openly that its aim is “representing an entire nation, the UAE.” UAE Team Emirates is currently leading in the Tou