Third sprint definition in five days of competition on the UAE Tour and once again the Colombians appeared fighting for victory. After the triumphs of Einer Rubio in the mountains and Juan Sebastián Molano in a massive arrival in the fourth stage, Fernando Gaviria wanted to complete a triplet for our country and was close to achieving it, because he was second on the fifth day of the race.
A definition was expected among the sprinters and so it was, since the route was 170 kilometers on flat terrain from Al Marjan Island to Umm al Quwain. Thomas De Gendt tried the feat when he left alone, but the peloton always managed the difference and when he decided to accelerate he captured the Belgian with 20 km to go.
Mass arrival at Umm al Quwain and launch for the sprinters. Fernando Gaviria accelerated close to the fences on the left side of the track, but Dylan Groenewegen was ahead leaving the Colombian without space to overcome it. Triumph for the Dutchman from Jayco AlUla and second place for the Movistar Team cyclist, while Sam Bennett completed the day’s podium.
Juan Sebastián Molano, winner of the fourth stage of this edition of the UAE Tour, entered the top 10 of this day, because he crossed the finish line in the seventh square.
No modifications in the general waiting for another sprint
This stage did not change the top of the general classification, which continues to be led by Remco Evenepoel, followed by Luke Plapp at 9” and Pello Bilbao at 13”. The best of ours is Einer Rubio in eighth place, 1’13” behind the current road world champion.
The sixth and penultimate stage of the UAE Tour 2023 will be one more on flat ground. 166 kilometers starting at Warner Bros-World Abu Dhabi and finishing at the Abu Dhabi Breakwater. The competition will end on Sunday with a mountain, when the champion of this edition will be decided.