After being very calm and also shortened by around thirty kilometres due to weather conditions, the opening stage of the UAE Tour concluded with a thrilling finish in Liwa Palace on Monday. After a final kilometre averaging 6%, Isaac del Toro took victory, while Équipe cycliste Groupama-FDJ United were unable to secure a significant result after trying to anticipate the final sprint. David Gaudu was held up by a crash before being given the same time as the winner.
Starting from Madinat Zayed Majlis, the peloton was initially set to cover 144 kilometres towards the explosive uphill finish in Liwa Palace. Plans changed during the stage, however, with the total distance reduced to 118 kilometres after two finishing laps were removed. “We were informed during the stage that the course would be shortened because of the wind and the sand on the cycle path we were supposed to use,” explained Stéphane Goubert. “It didn’t really change the nature of the stage, which remained nervous due to the wind. Our goal was to put David in the best possible position, and if he didn’t have to work, Matteo was an option for the finish.” Only one rider went clear during the day, but he was caught at the start of the final thirty kilometres. Around their French leader, Groupama-FDJ United then remained firmly positioned at the front of the peloton.
“The team’s collective effort was very positive” – Stéphane Goubert
It was only inside the final ten kilometres that the tension truly ramped up, with an intense battle for position all the way to the long, uphill finishing straight. While Axel Huens and Matteo Milan managed to move up along the left-hand side of the road, David Gaudu was hindered at the final roundabout of the day. “Jonathan Milan crashed, which disrupted our organisation, and David was slightly held up,” confirmed Stéphane Goubert. The French climber was therefore unable to contest the sprint, which Axel Huens and Matteo Milan tried to anticipate from around 500 metres out. “Axel did a great job trying to launch an attack and put Matteo in the best possible position, but it didn’t quite work out,” Stéphane added. “We’re still fine-tuning things, but the team spirit and collective effort throughout the day were very positive.” Isaac del Toro eventually proved strongest over the final 300 metres to take the win and claim the first leader’s jersey. The rest of the peloton, including David Gaudu, was credited with the same time.
On Tuesday, the first real time gaps are expected during the 12-kilometre individual time trial on Hudayriyat Island. “It’s a particular kind of time trial where aerodynamics will be crucial,” Stéphane concluded. “Rémi enjoys this discipline and will give it everything. David will also aim to limit his losses.”
