Cycling: Jonathan Milan won the first stage of the UAE Tour. The Italian won just ahead of Jasper Philipsen, who was then pushed back. Otherwise, there are a few climbers in the top ten of the day - because the finale was uphill.
Milan also masters uphill finish straight
The opening stage of the UAE Tour ended today with a thrilling uphill sprint. Jonathan Milan (Lidl – Trek) won the 138-kilometer race from Madinat Zayed Shams Solar Park to Liwa Palace. The Italian initially relegated Belgian Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin – Deceuninck) to second place. However, Philipsen's dangerous move in the final meters dropped him back to 52nd place – at the back of the leading group. Finn Fisher-Black (RB – Bora – hansgrohe) was the victim of this risky maneuver, inheriting second place. Third place went to Dane Tobias Lund Andresen (Picnic PostNL).
UAE Tour: Pogacar is the top favorite
The 7th edition of the UAE Tour concludes on Sunday after seven stages. The overall classification will likely be decided on Wednesday and the final day, as the riders tackle the climbs of Jebel Jais and Jebel Hafeet, respectively. However, tomorrow's individual time trial will already provide some initial gaps. The 12,2-kilometer course on Al Hudayriyat Island will challenge top favorite Tadej Pogacar (UAE). Defending champion Lennert van Eetvelt (Lotto) is expected to be significantly outmatched in the time trial.
A chaotic final kilometer sees Jonathan Milan take victory on the opening stage of the UAE Tour! pic.twitter.com/xewAnsH9UD
— Eurosport (@eurosport) February 17, 2025