I think sportswashing is quite often very diversified, and there's not really an intent way in advance to go "yeah let's just crush cycling now". Cycling just happens to be cheaper than some other big ticket sports and still have one of the greatest sports events.I think @Red Rick had a theory? Something like cycling was better value for money relative to other options UAE had.
For example, Emirates sponsor Real Madrid, AC Milan, Arsenal FC, Olympique Lyonnais, FC Bayern Munich. I think that would dwarf UAE's investment in cycling (between €60 million and €65 million for 2025).
But the risk is another Walsh comes along, does some simple investigative journalism and lifts the lid. UAE can adsorb that blow back. Not sure about the UCI though. But even those who run the UCI are not bigger than the sport itself - they can all be replaced if there was a scandal uncovered. Like the President of FIFA was.
Then Pogacar is probably mostly Gianetti's creation, and UAE influence probably slowly starts ramping up after that 2020 Tour.