Umm Al Quwain, UAE - Italy's Jonathan Milan clinched his second victory of the UAE Tour on Thursday, winning the fourth stage through a thrilling and chaotic sprint. The Lidl-Trek rider prevailed at the finish line, narrowly edging out Belgian rivals Tim Merlier and Jasper Philipsen, reinforcing his reputation as one of cycling's elite sprinters.
The stage, spanning 181 kilometers from Fujairah Qidfa Beach to Umm Al Quwain, was marked by intense winds, which played a significant role in the dynamics of the race. Milan completed the course with a time of 4:03:01 hours, maintaining an impressive average speed of 44.688 km/h.
"I saw Tim Merlier coming very fast, then I waited for the photo finish and I eventually was told I won, but I didn’t know," Milan reflected after his victory. He noted the importance of gaining experience for future classics, especially considering the conditions during the stage.
Tadej Pogacar, riding for UAE Team Emirates, retained his overall lead, the coveted red jersey, and remains 18 seconds clear of British rival Joshua Tarling, who is currently second overall. Pogacar’s strategy during the stage centered around safety and positioning, allowing him to stay atop the general classification.
Pogacar expressed satisfaction with the plan executed during the echelons, stating, "My aim in the echelons was staying safe and not losing time. It wasn’t our initiative; we followed the moves. The team did an amazing job staying in the front when it was important." His assertion highlights the importance of cooperation and strategy among team members, especially during key stages of such prestigious competitions.
The finish of the stage was particularly captivating. Milan initiated his sprint early, holding off Merlier and Philipsen, who attempted to close the gap at the last moment. Milan's sprint push resulted in a photo-finish victory, marking his third win of the season, following his success on the opening stage. The thrilling nature of the finish is indicative of the fierce competition for top-ranking cyclists.
With this victory, Milan also earned the green jersey, awarded for the points classification, solidifying his lead with 41 points—8 points clear of Pogacar. The standings reflect not only Milan's sprinting ability but his aptitude for strategically gaining points throughout the stages.
The UAE Tour has gained significant attention not only for the professional cyclists competing but also for the remarkable landscapes and venues through which they ride. Organizers and sponsors, including the Department of Tourism and Antiquities, have continuously worked to spotlight the cultural significance and hospitality of the Emirate regions.
The stage results also revealed Dorde Duric as the black jersey holder, awarded for his performance as the leader of the intermediate sprint classification. While young cyclist Joshua Tarling continues to wear the white jersey for the best young rider, the competitive atmosphere was palpable among all participants.
At the post-race press conference, Milan expressed his confidence, stating: "Today's stage gives me a lot of confidence for Milano-Sanremo considering the level of the sprinters at the UAE Tour but Milano-Sanremo has a different finale." His reflection emphasizes the adaptability required by professional cyclists to transition from one type of competition to another.
Speaking about the continuity and support of his team, he added: "When you move like this with this team, it’s almost easy to bring this type of result, so really happy and proud of all my teammates." His gratitude underlines the importance of teamwork and strategic positioning, especially during unpredictable conditions.
Moving forward, the tour continues with stage 5 featuring 160 kilometers from American University in Dubai to Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, which promises another exciting day for both riders and fans alike.
Next stages will test the cyclists' endurance and tactical prowess, with each stage presenting its unique challenges—merging the beauty of the UAE's terrain with the thrilling competition of cycling at its highest level.