Jonathan Milan Claims Stage 1 Victory and Leaders’ Jersey at UAE Tour
Italian sprinter Jonathan Milan emerged victorious in the opening stage of the UAE Tour, donning the first leader’s jersey after outpacing New Zealand’s Finn Fisher-Black in the final sprint on Monday in Liwa. Belgian Jasper Philipsen, who crossed the line second, was relegated after swerving and cutting off Fisher-Black’s trajectory during the sprint.
Tadej Pogačar, who opted to kick off his season at the UAE Tour this year, made a bid for victory by initiating the sprint 350 meters from the finish line. However, the reigning world champion faded in the final 150 meters, settling for 10th place. Despite his sprint setback, Pogačar showcased his robust form after a rigorous winter training regimen, which he described as "fluid."
With 36 kilometers remaining to the finish, the UAE Team Emirates leader displayed his dominance by surging ahead of the peloton, demonstrating that he will be the one to beat by Sunday. Pogačar has previously triumphed in the Emirates race twice (2021, 2022).
While Pogačar remains the top contender for Tuesday’s 12-kilometer individual time trial, he had to yield to the superior sprinters on Monday, despite a slightly uphill finish that could have been to his advantage. Milan, 24, delivered an impressive performance to secure his second victory of the season after winning a stage at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana in early February.
"It was really hard today. The heat, this tough finish, with 700 meters uphill," commented the triple stage winner of last year’s Giro d’Italia.
From the start, a breakaway trio formed, consisting of Italians Manuele Tarozzi and Federico Biagini along with Panamanian Carlos Samudio. Their lead never exceeded two minutes and thirty seconds, posing no significant threat to the sprinters’ teams. They were reeled in before the final ten kilometers.
