Gaviria’s double near-miss

The sprints of the UAE Tour are never sure, so much so that the last stage of the Emirati race (Dubai Safari Park-City Wak, 145 km) gave the third different winner in as many sprints: Sam Bennett (Bora-Hansgrohe) shot ahead of the team’s Fernando Gaviria heading to the line.

The UAE Team Emirates cyclist took second place for the second time, a haul embellished by the success achieved in the stage to the Abu Dhabi Big Flag.

Stephens and Marzano directed the effective team work in the final stage, with Laengen making the contribution at the head of the group before Troia getting into action. Kristoff took over for Gaviria within the last kilometre.
Considering the strong wind that blew in the final 400-metre straight, the Norwegian’s lead-out was recious with Gaviria tucked in his wheel. Only Bennett spoiled the party.
Of note is that Kristoff, after launching Gaviria, crossed the line in fourth place (photo Bettini).

“The sprint was made very difficult by the strong headwind,” explained Gaviria. “I tried to stay as much as possible in the slipstream and I waited until the final metres to go: when I launched, I immediately realised that Bennett was faster.
It’s a pity I did not get a second victory, but I think it’s important to thank all my team-mates for the great job they’ve done today“.

Daniel Martin finished with a good 7th place overall, 1’11” behind the winner Primoz Roglic, the result of the brilliant performances in the two uphill arrivals by Jebel Hafeet and Jebel Jais, and steady riding all week.
In the top 20 were the team’s Diego Ulissi (15th at 2’19”) and Rui Costa (17th at 2’30”).

 
Stage 7 results
1 Sam Bennet (Irl) Bora-hansgrohe 3h17’51”
2 Fernando Gaviria (Col) UAE Team Emirates s.t.
3 Caleb Ewan (Aus) Lotto-Soudal s.t.
4 Alexander Kristoff (Nor) UAE Team Emirates s.t.

Final general classification
1 Primoz Roglic (Slo) Team Jumbo-Visma 26h27’29”
2 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Movistar 31″
3 David Gaudu (Fra) Groupama-FDJ 44″
7 Daniel Martin (Irl) UAE Team Emirates 1’11”