Two in a row for Merlier at UAE Tour
Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier surged from deep in the pack to claim victory in the bunch sprint on stage six of the UAE Tour at Abu Dhabi Breakwater yesterday. With this win, Merlier and Italian Jonathan Milan each have two stage victories in a race filled with fast sprinters.
Merlier had won Friday's stage, while Milan took the opener and stage four. Milan leads the sprint points race with 65 points, followed closely by Merlier with 56.
Merlier finished just ahead of compatriot Jasper Philipsen in second, with Milan taking third after Merlier's seventh career win in the UAE.
Tim Merlier (C) celebrates a second victory in the UAE Tour
The 176km stage around Abu Dhabi, Khalifa City, and Yas Island was no easy feat. "It might have looked easy, but believe me, I suffered," Merlier said. "A kilometre from the line, I didn't think I'd make it. Beating guys like Jonathan and Jasper is always important."
Cycling superstar Tadej Pogacar holds the overall lead ahead of Sunday's final mountain stage, which includes a tough 10km climb with 8-10% gradients. Racing for the local Team UAE, Pogacar built his lead after finishing close to time-trial winner Josh Tarling on Tuesday and then extending it on Wednesday's hilltop finish.
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