2024 UAE Tour Stage 5 | Results and Report

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Olav Kooij emerged triumphant in the fifth stage of the UAE Tour, narrowly defeating Tim Merlier in a thrilling bunch sprint. After an exhaustive examination of the finish photo, the young Dutchman was declared the winner, securing his second victory of the 2024 season.

In what marked the third opportunity for sprinters to shine, Kooij seized the moment with a nerve-wracking display of speed and determination. As the peloton charged towards the finish line, Kooij positioned himself on the right side of the road, edging past Merlier in the final meters to clinch the win.

“It took a very long time before redemption came,” Kooij revealed, reflecting on the tense moments following the sprint. “I wasn’t sure if I had won. However, the long wait did not diminish the relief.”

Acknowledging the strength of the competition at the UAE Tour, Kooij credited his victory to meticulous teamwork and strategic positioning. “The field of competitors is very strong, and everything has to go along to be able to compete for the win here at the UAE Tour,” he explained. “That was the case today. I was well in front at the last roundabout, because of the good work of the team. In the end, I squeezed into Mark Cavendish’s wheel. A gap then opened up, and I saw my chance.”

With his second win of the season, Kooij expressed satisfaction at delivering success for Team Visma | Lease a Bike. “I rate this win highly,” he remarked. “It is a very nice victory that gives me a lot of confidence towards the rest of my season. I’m pleased that I can now reward the work of the team. We came here for a stage win, and we can now say that we succeeded.”

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