Picture 1 of 8
Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep) received stage 6 of the UAE Tour in a frantic bunch dash, beating Sam Bennett (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco-Alula) to the road in Abu Dhabi.
The penultimate stage of the race was additionally the final alternative for the sprinters, and with so many quick males within the subject nonetheless searching for their first win of the week, it was at all times liable to be a tense finale.
Already a winner from the break on the opening day, Merlier confirmed nous and power right here to say his second victory of the week, hitting the entrance on the crown of the ultimate bend and warding off the fast-closing Bennett.
Groenewegen, winner on stage 5, needed to accept third forward of Olav Kooij (Jumbo-Visma) and Fernando Gaviria (Movistar).
There was disappointment for Mark Cavendish (Astana-Qazaqstan), who was unable to dash after sustaining a puncture inside the ultimate 2km.
“At the moment was a very good one. It was actually hectic, everybody was so nervous as a result of it was the final dash, the final alternative I believe, and it was actually harmful,” Merlier stated afterwards. “Within the final 500 metres, I discovered the great spot and I went once more from far out. At the moment it was sufficient.
“We did a recon of the stage and we knew earlier than it was going to be actually hectic, just like the final days once more. However we discovered a great way and also you want a little bit of luck right here.”
The stage was animated by a day-long break that includes Larry Warbasse (AG2R Citroën), Edward Planckaert (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Samuele Zoccarato (Inexperienced Venture-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè). The trio gained a most lead simply north of 4 minutes earlier than the peloton started reeling them in, with Warbasse the final man standing with 5km remaining.
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep) completed safely within the peloton and he stays within the general lead forward of Sunday’s mountaintop finale on Jebel Hafeet. The Belgian carries a lead of 9 seconds over Luke Plapp (Ineos), with Pello Bilbao third general at 13 seconds.
“It’s the very best degree of sprinters right here so it’s very particular for us to win two very lovely sprints and the TTT. And now there’s yet one more day to go for us,” stated Evenepoel, closely favoured to seal general victory on Sunday.
“In fact, it could be a really good victory right here. I already stated within the winter, I needed to be on a very good degree on the UAEE Tour. We’re going to attempt to defend this jersey very effectively and possibly attempt to go for the stage once more tomorrow.”
Extra to observe…
Outcomes powered by FirstCycling (opens in new tab)
