Cycling: Ben O'Connor won the third stage of the UAE Tour. The Australian was able to prevail on the Jebel Jais ahead of his compatriot Jay Vine, who can be happy about the overall lead.
Ben O'Connor is perfectly prepared for victory
When the Flamme Rouge was visible, the French team went on the offensive. Valentin Paret Peintre (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) attacked with his teammate Ben O'Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) on the rear wheel and the UAE Team Emirates could no longer react. After 176 kilometers from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais (19 km at 5,6%), the Australian crossed five seconds ahead of his compatriot Jay Vine (UAE) the finish line. The Belgian completes the podium Lennert van Eetvelt (Lotto – Dstny). Jay Vine takes over the leader's jersey from his teammate Brandon McNulty (UAE), who was no longer able to keep up with the increased pace in the last kilometer.
Rubio & Hirt attack in vain
Twelve kilometers from the finish opened One Rubio (Movistar) the race for the day's victory. The Colombian tried to repeat his coup from the previous year when he took his first professional victory here at Jebel Jais - on his birthday. He turns 26 tomorrow, but he couldn't give himself an early present today. Also an attack from Jan Hirt (Soudal – Quick-Step) around six kilometers later was not crowned with success. The UAE Team Emirates had everything under control with their strong helpers and kept the pace high.
Mark Stewart is busy collecting points
Nobody really wanted to believe in a successful early escape today. On the 176 kilometer long course from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais, the main priority was initially Mark stewart (Corratec – Vini Fantini) in focus. The Brit formed with the Swiss Sylvan Dillier (Alpecin – Deceuninck) a breakaway duo, later with the Belgian Jonas Rickaert (Alpecin – Deceuninck). His goal was the two sprint classifications, which he ultimately won. But he no longer had anything to do with the outcome of the stage after he was finally caught at the foot of Jebel Jais.
UAE Tour: The decision will be made on Sunday
The decision on the overall winner of the UAE Tour will not be made until Sunday. On the last stage, the professionals have to climb Jebel Hafeet. At 10,9 kilometers long, it is significantly shorter than today's final climb, but with an average gradient of 6,7 percent, it is also somewhat steeper. Adam Yates (UAE) will then not be able to fight for victory. The 2020 winner withdrew from the UAE Tour today.
Ben O takes the win! What a great start of the year he's having! #UAETour pic.twitter.com/cm7GmnbSro
— Eemeli (@LosBrolin) February 21, 2024