OLAV KOOIJ WINS STAGE 5 OF THE UAE TOUR JAY VINE RETAINS THE RED JERSEY
Umm al Quwain, 23 February 2024 – Olav Kooij (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) has won Stage 5, the Fujairah Stage, of the sixth edition of the UAE Tour, ahead of Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) and Sam Welsford (Bora – Hansgrohe).
Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) retains the Red Jersey.
PROVISIONAL STAGE RESULTS
1 – Olav Kooij (Team Visma | Lease a Bike), 182km in 4h08’38”, av. speed 43.920 km/h
2 – Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) s.t.
3 – Sam Welsford (Bora – Hansgrohe) s.t.
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1 – Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates)
2 – Ben O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team) at 11″
3 – Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) at 13″
THE OFFICIAL JERSEYS
The leader jerseys of the UAE Tour are provided by ALÉ
- Red Jersey, leader of the General Classification, sponsored by International Holding Company – Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates)
- Green Jersey, leader of the Points Classification – Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
- White Jersey, Best Young Rider, sponsored by Nakheel – Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal Quick-Step)
- Black Jersey, leader of the Intermediate Sprint Classification, sponsored by Bin Hamoodah Auto – Mark Stewart (Team Corratec – Vini Fantini)
Speaking seconds after the stage finish, the stage winner Olav Kooij said: “I didn’t know that I was the winner so I was very happy to be declared the winner from the photo-finish. After the first two sprints, I got better but you need everything right to win. I tried to not get too much wind in the finale and a good position at the last roundabout. I thought I was maybe a bit far but I managed to follow Mark Cavendish on the right. Luckily there was a little gap and I could pass everyone. My stage win at Paris-Nice last year was very nice but the field of sprinters here is very strong so it makes it another very nice one. Now I’m excited to see what I will be able to do at my first Grand Tour, the Giro d’Italia, after this good start of the season”.
Press conference interviews and further details to follow.
To find out more about the UAE Tour, including details of the official race route, jerseys and sponsors, visit www.theuaetour.com
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Photo Credits: Sprint Cycling Agency