Report In a stunning display of climbing prowess, 22-year-old Belgian sensation Lennert Van Eetvelt secured both the stage win and the overall victory at the prestigious UAE Tour, marking a remarkable milestone in his burgeoning career. The grueling final stage of the tour culminated in a challenging ascent up Jebel Hafeet, an 11-kilometer climb with an average gradient of 6.7%. Despite facing stiff competition and the relentless pace set by the peloton, Van Eetvelt exhibited unwavering determination and tactical acumen throughout the race. As the day unfolded, a breakaway group forged ahead, establishing a formidable lead of six minutes. However,…
Author: Emily Taylor
Men’s Report Jan Tratnik delivered a masterful performance to clinch victory in the prestigious Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. The 34-year-old Slovenian emerged as the triumphant rider in a thrilling finale dominated by the yellow and black colors of Team Visma | Lease a Bike, outpacing his fellow escapee Nils Politt in a captivating sprint finish. Reflecting on his historic win, Tratnik expressed his gratitude to his team and hailed the victory as the highlight of his career. “This was probably the biggest win of my career,” he remarked. “I took on the role of domestique today, but I was surprised to…
Report Tim Merlier etched his name in the annals of cycling history as he clinched his third stage victory at a single edition of the UAE Tour, becoming the first rider to achieve this remarkable feat. The Belgian powerhouse notched up his fifth triumph of the season in spectacular fashion, showcasing his unparalleled sprinting prowess once again. Despite facing stiff competition, Merlier’s unrivaled speed propelled him to an emphatic win on the pan-flat course from Abu Dhabi. Guided by the impeccable teamwork of the Wolfpack, Merlier positioned himself perfectly in the final kilometers, maintaining his composure amidst the frenetic pace…
Report 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…
Report Tim Merlier showcased his sprinting prowess once again at the UAE Tour, securing his fourth victory of the season in Dubai. The 31-year-old Belgian rider made history by becoming the first cyclist to claim back-to-back bunch sprint victories in a single edition of the race, further solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the sprint finishes. The stage started off quietly, with the peloton maintaining a steady pace until the final ten kilometers. As the sprinter teams began positioning themselves for the finale, Ayco Bastiaens diligently controlled the gap to the early breakaway, while Ilan…
Report Ben O’Connor secured a remarkable victory on Stage 3 of the UAE Tour, marking his first mountain race win in quite some time. The Australian rider’s stellar performance propelled him to the top of the podium in a thrilling display of strength and determination. Reflecting on his victory, O’Connor praised his teammates for their exceptional support throughout the race. “It’s been a long time since I’ve won a mountain race. It was incredible. The boys were very good today,” he remarked. “It’s my second win of the year, which is really good. I wasn’t confident about a sprint finish,…
Gaia Realini’s ascent to cycling stardom continues with Lidl-Trek, as she extends her contract through 2027. The “Pocket Rocket” has been leaving a trail of awe since joining the team in 2023. Despite already boasting top-10 finishes at the Giro Donne, her true breakout came last season. It all started with a fairytale moment, crossing the finish line arm-in-arm with her idol Elisa Longo Borghini at the UAE Women’s Tour. From there, she seized her first professional victory at Trofeo Oro in Euro, alongside teammate Amanda Spratt. Realini’s momentum only accelerated with podium finishes at Flèche Wallonne and the Vuelta…
A tough break for Lotto Dstny in their desperate hunt for points to claw their way back into the World Tour. Maxim Van Gils bagged the time trial victory over a mere five kilometers last week, snatching the crown of the entire Ruta del Sol, where several stages got the ax. Sounds like a goldmine of UCI points, right? Well, hold your horses. Now, imagine this: 220 measly points are all that’s left out of the initial 20. The UCI, apparently, isn’t feeling the love for Maxim Van Gils and his Lotto Dstny crew. Initially, our Belgian lad was set…