A good day at the office for the Soudal Quick-Step boys.
For the fifth time in eight editions, the UAE Tour featured an individual time trial. The course, just 12.2 kilometers in length and completely flat, shouldn’t have made for some significant gaps between the overall contenders, but the general classification ended up witnessing some changes due to the presence of the wind in the second part of the stage.
Ethan Hayter was one of the early starters, and the British Champion confirmed his ITT credentials, producing a strong ride to stop the clock in 13:28 – thanks to a 54.5km/h average speed – which allowed him to conclude in the top five this stage won by Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe). It was a result that elevated the 26-year-old to fifth place on the general classification ahead of Jebel Mobrah, the race’s first summit finish.
It was a nice first time trial of the season, and it felt special to do it in this beautiful National Champion’s kit.
“I’m still building my fitness, so to be fourth here, from a field that included so many quality riders, makes me happy. It’s the kind of result that gives you confidence and I hope some more strong outings of our team will follow this week”, said Ethan after the stage.
Sixth on the opening day, Ilan Van Wilder was another Soudal Quick-Step rider to set a good time on the Al Hudayriyat Island, which helped him remain in the first part of the overall standings and not far from the top ten, where he aims to return Wednesday afternoon.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
