The sprinters are back in focus at the UAE Tour following two stages that shaped the overall.
Stage 4 shifts attention away from summit finishes and returns the race to a profile that traditionally suits fast finishers..probably. This year’s fourth stage is slightly harder.
Unlike previous editions, where the stage following the first mountain test was almost certain to end in a bunch sprint, the 2026 route features a slightly more demanding design. The day includes constant undulations from start to finish. While there are no officially categorized climbs, the terrain rises and falls throughout.
So it means there’s possibilities of breaks–although the big teams will want to reel them in in time for the finale.
Stage 3
The inclusion of Jebel Mobrah on stage 3 definitely mucked things up for some going for the overall–including Remco Evenepoel, who lost his leader’s jersey and slid outside the top-10.
A mass sprint is probs the most likely outcome, but the rolling profile means sprint teams will need to control the race while still saving riders for the leadout on the flat desert run-in.
If that works out, it will be a day for Jonathan Milan and the other pure sprinters in the field.
Derek Gee-West, racing for his new Lidl-Trek squad, had a solid day when the road went up, finishing 7th. It was the first tough day in the climbs for the rider since the mountains in the Giro d’Italia, eight months ago.
“The first three days racing with the team have been great,” he said. “I am quickly getting used to the team. So far, we have had a nice mix of a very stressful sprint day, a time trial, so that covers all the bases pretty quickly.”
The national champion said that hopefully a few relaxed days are coming up for the peloton. But he hoped that Milan could pull off a win. The Italian crashed with 1 km left on Stage 2.
“We’ve got some good days for Jonathan next and then another chance to see what I can do,” the Osgoode, Ont. rider said.
Coverage on Flobikes.com begins at 6:25 a.m EST. Canadian Cycling Magazine will have a full report after too!
Affiliate links present. Canadian Cycling Magazine may receive commissions
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…