Cycling Alejandro Valverde (38) has the second drive in line won in the UAE Tour. The finish line was drawn after an ascent of just under eleven kilometres, and the Spaniard drove so the fastest way to the top. For Valverde it was his first victory as a world champion. Primoz Roglic retains his leader’s jersey.
The biggest part of the ride, which started in Al-Ain, was not too heavy. But the end was still firmly climbing on Jebel Hafeet. The team mates of the leader Roglic, among whom a strong Laurens De Plus, checked the final stages. At about four kilometers from the finish – Remco Evenepoel was just dropped out after a strong climb – was the work of The Plus on it and pulled Roglic itself off. Only Daniel Martin, Damien Gaudu, and Emanuel Buchmann, could be pace initially follow.
world champion, Alejandro Valverde tried to get a connection. The Spaniard made an impression and came to the three front-runners. Valverde won last year in the same place and benefited the most of his course knowledge. ‘El Imbatido’ recorded his first victory in the rainbow jersey. Roglic remains the leader.
Tomorrow is the finish of the fourth stage to Hatta Dam, a short slope, but in the last meters with steep sections of up to 17 percent. The UAE Tour ends Saturday.
Valverde: “to Win in the rainbow jersey is historic,”
Alejandro Valverde had a bit longer wait than the past years his first victory, but today, he shot yet touch. “This is a historic victory for me, winning in the rainbow jersey”, he said after his triumph in the mountain stage of the UAE Tour. “After the many close results over the past weeks doing this tremendous virtue, because I wanted so much that victory.”
However, gave Valverde initially not a best impression on the final climb. He its advantages and is not in the debates, Roglic and co drove off, but nonetheless, the world champion still jumped to the front and he made it off in the sprint. Also last year he won the ride to Jebel Hafeet.
“I knew exactly where I would attack places. When Roglic and co in the attack, withdrew, I let them committed. I was sure that I would keep up with it. On this climb you have to organize, certainly not too early, especially not today because the wind blew even harder than last year. When I got my attack set, on the spot I had in mind, I drove quickly towards them and then it was a sprint. This is an important victory for me. I was there the past few weeks a couple of times close to, but it was always just not. Now it is touch.”
“I now that victory is fixed, we’ll see how it goes for the standings. I count now 14 seconds behind. That is not much but also not little, and Roglic is strong. Tomorrow wait for a major ride. It is for punchers, I know that. I know the climb John Degenkolb won there, but also Colbrelli (on Hatta Dam, red). I’m going to do my best, but this round is already a success because I have a stage win in the bag.”
