Merlier's Sprint Dominance Highlights Transformation and Rising Stars at Intriguing UAE Tour

 


Tim Merlier dominated the sprint stages for Soudal Quick-Step, defeating top sprinters like Cavendish, Jakobsen and Bennett on multiple occasions. His performances renewed the debate on who is the better sprinter between him and Jasper Philipsen. 

 

The mountain stage to Jebel Jais proved to be a more challenging and scenic climb than the race's traditional summit finish on Jebel Hafeet. The organizers are considering adding a segment on a nearby service road to make Jebel Jais an even greater spectacle.


Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale transformed into a stronger team this year, taking control of the two mountain stages through Ben O'Connor and Valentin Paret-Peintre. Their new technical partnership with Swiss Side also provided an aerodynamic upgrade.


Astana Qazaqstan and Michael Morkov showed they still have a top lead-out train after helping Mark Cavendish to stronger sprint performances than earlier in the race. Their ambitions for the season suggest more victories to come. 


Stage winner Lennert Van Eetvelt's breakout performance in claiming the overall title was a sign that the 22-year-old Belgian is destined for a WorldTour contract in the near future given his climbing and racing abilities.



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