UAE Tour

Tim Merlier became the first rider in the history of the UAE Tour to win the first two bunch sprints of an edition after he flew to victory in Dubai, which hosted the fourth stage of the race. It was another chaotic mass gallop Thursday afternoon, but that didn’t bother the two-time Belgian Champion, who was again excellently guided by his Soudal Quick-Step teammates, before finding the space needed to showcase his incredible speed.

The day was a quiet one until ten kilometers to go, when the many teams having a sprinter here began jostling for position. Ayco Bastiaens was responsible for keeping in check the gap of the two escapees from the start of the stage, while white jersey Ilan van Wilder and Mauri Vansevenant contributed to the pace setting in the closing kilometers of the stage.

Once the two peeled off the front inside five kilometers to go, Jordi Warlop and Bert Van Lerberghe hit the front, and their outstanding work meant that Tim was in a perfect position on the run-in to the finish after a tricky corner with 750 meters remaining and had the luxury of patiently waiting before opening his sprint.

It was the 31-year-old’s fourth win at the UAE Tour and 15th in the Soudal Quick-Step jersey, and Merlier couldn’t hide his happiness after this result: “Today was a slow pace the whole stage, but in the end it became hectic. The team put me in a good position, and I waited for the last 500 meters before deciding to change the speed and make my move. The wind came from the left side, so timing was very important. Getting two victories gives me a great feeling. I would love to add at least another one, and although I know it will be difficult, I am looking forward to the next two days.”

Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images