At €13 million in total annual earnings, Pogačar is already the highest-paid rider in the peloton—extra millions aren't the argument. Carera framed the delay differently: this isn't a standard contract. Both sides need, possibly, another month to finalize special terms. What those terms are remains undisclosed, but the fact that they exist and are slowing the signature itself tells you something: Pogačar is negotiating not salary, but authority. As of August 19, 2026, UAE Team Emirates-XRG has offered no official confirmation.