DUBAI, UAE – Jonathan Milan of Lidl-Trek continued his dominant sprint form at the UAE Tour, securing his second stage victory of the race on , February 20th. The stage, a 166km sprint from Dubai Al Mamzar Park to Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, saw Milan outpace his rivals in a thrilling finish, further solidifying his position as a top contender in the sprint classifications.
The stage unfolded as expected, with a breakaway group attempting to establish a lead early on. However, the peloton, led by teams eager to set up their sprinters, maintained a controlled pace, ultimately reining in the escapees before the final kilometers. Lidl-Trek executed a textbook lead-out, positioning Milan perfectly for the sprint.
The victory marks Milan’s second stage win at this year’s UAE Tour, following his triumph on stage 4. The Italian sprinter demonstrated exceptional power and tactical awareness, navigating the chaotic final stretch with precision. The win also highlights the strength of the Lidl-Trek team, who have consistently demonstrated their ability to control the race and deliver their sprinter to the front.
Adding a unique dimension to the day’s racing, the Milan brothers, Jonathan and Matteo, both featured prominently in the sprint finish. Matteo Malucelli of Groupama-FDJ denied Jonathan Milan on stage 4 with a surprise sprint win. Today, Jonathan Milan reclaimed the top spot, while his brother Matteo finished third, marking his best-ever WorldTour result. The brothers, who previously rode together for Lidl-Trek, are now competing on different teams, adding a compelling narrative to their rivalry.
“It’s really special, because we were dreaming of this moment since we were really small, since we started, we were always dreaming to maybe compete in the same team or against each other at the highest level like we are now,” Milan said in the mixed zone after the stage. “I’m really happy for this and then to see him there fighting for the victory is also really nice. I’m just really proud of what he did and for how hard he worked in these few months at the beginning of the season.”
Despite Milan’s stage win, the general classification standings remain unchanged. Antonio Tiberi continues to wear the Red Jersey, maintaining his overall lead. The race is now poised for a challenging climb on stage 6, a 168km route from Al Ain Museum to Jebel Hafeet. This stage is expected to significantly shake up the GC standings, testing the climbing prowess of the contenders.
Elsewhere in the race, Robbe Ghys of Intermarché-Wanty was forced to abandon the UAE Tour following a crash. The team confirmed that Ghys was unable to continue due to injuries sustained in the incident. The incident underscores the inherent risks of professional cycling and the demanding physical toll the race takes on riders.
Looking ahead, stage 5 initially appeared to be a straightforward sprint stage, but the unpredictable nature of cycling always leaves room for surprises. The peloton will now prepare for the demanding climb of Jebel Hafeet, where the true general classification contenders are expected to emerge. The stage promises a dramatic shift in the race dynamics, potentially reshaping the overall standings and setting the stage for a thrilling final weekend.
The UAE Tour continues to deliver compelling racing, showcasing both the speed of the sprinters and the endurance of the climbers. With a mix of flat stages and challenging climbs, the race provides a comprehensive test for riders across all disciplines. The competition is fierce, and the battle for the overall victory is far from over.
The race organizers are anticipating a large turnout for stage, as fans flock to witness the spectacle of the Jebel Hafeet climb. The iconic mountain is known for its challenging gradients and stunning views, making it a popular destination for both riders and spectators. The stage is expected to be a pivotal moment in the UAE Tour, potentially determining the ultimate champion.
As the UAE Tour progresses, the focus shifts towards the climbers and their ability to navigate the challenging terrain. The race is shaping up to be a captivating battle between sprinters and climbers, with both disciplines vying for supremacy. The coming days will undoubtedly reveal the true contenders for the overall victory.
