The Belgian is ninth on the general classification after the opening day.
Ilan Van Wilder got his second participation at the UAE Tour off to a strong start, coming home in the top ten on the complicated finale in Liwa Palace that brought both sprinters and GC contenders in the mix.
As it has been the case in a number of events last weekend, strong winds impacted the race also in the Middle East, prompting the organisers to shorten the route for safety reasons. Echelons were expected to play a role on the wide, exposed roads of the UAE, but they failed to materialise, so it all came down to the final kilometers, where an uphill drag to the line featuring some nasty gradients spiced up the fight for victory.
Just before the flamme rouge, a crash in the peloton took a couple of riders out of contention, including Alberto Dainese, who had to say goodbye to any hopes of a good result. Fortunately for Soudal Quick-Step, Ilan Van Wilder was there thanks to some strong teamwork and showed an impressive turn of speed that helped him conclude in sixth place this stage won by Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates).
“There was some headwind in the final, which meant it was important to remain calm. Our plan was to sprint with Alberto and make sure I wouldn’t lose any time, but after that crash everything changed. I was lucky to find Ethan, who brought me to the front, and I could sprint to this top ten. We’ll continue to take it day by day and see what the next stages will bring”, said Ilan, who will be now among the last to leave the start house on Tuesday, when the race schedules an individual time trial.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
