Team Emirates’ Pogacar outpaces Yates to retain UAE Tour crown

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) has won the fourth edition of the UAE Tour, the one and only UCI World Tour race in the Middle East, organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

Adam Yates (Ineos Grenadiers) and Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious) complete the final podium.

Pogacar has won Stage 7, the Mubadala Stage, 148km from Al Ain to Jebel Hafeet, ahead of Yates and Bilbao.

Tadej Pogacar (C), Adam Yates (C-L) and Pello Bilbao pose on the podium after the UAE cycling tour. AFP

The Slovenian entered the final stage with a four second lead over Filippo Ganna. But the Italian's Ineos team-mate Yates was the most realistic challenger.

Pogacar crossed the line a second ahead of Yates, with Spaniard Pello Bilbao of Bahrain Victorious finishing third five seconds back.

Speaking after winning the race, Pogacar said: "I am super happy to take a win at Jebel Hafeet for a third time. It suits me well.

Tadej Pogacar competes during stage 7 of the UAE cycling tour, from Al Jahili Fort to Jebel Hafeet. AFP

“We were riding for the stage win today, Joao [Almeida] tried to attack to steal the win but Adam [Yates] was very strong and covered it. Then we switched focus to the sprint.

“At one moment I was really suffering but luckily Adam slowed down too. Winning the UAE Tour was a really big goal for the team. I'm super proud and very happy, thanks to everyone for their support,” he added.