Pogačar conquers the Jebel Hafeet

Tadej Pogačar continued his winning ways on the ascent of Jebel Hafeet claiming victory on the third stage, while wearing the race leader’s jersey.
The talented Slovenian battled Adam Yates (Ineos-Grenadiers) who now trails in the GC by 43’’.

A strong team performance by UAE Team Emirates saw them arrive at the final ascent (10.5 km climb, finishing at 1025 meters above sea level) leading the peloton and reducing it heavily by setting a fierce tempo.
Pogačar was able to respond promptly to the attacks of Sepp Kuss (Jumbo-Visma) and Adam Yates, pouncing in the final metres to outsprint the Briton.

This marks UAE Team Emirates’ third success on this climb: Pogačar’s double was preceded by Rui Costa’s win in 2017.

Pogačar: “We wanted to win and we did, at the end of a really hard day. The team showed an excellent performance, always riding in the right positions and setting the pace in the first part of the climb.
I was able to respond to the various attacks, even those of Yates. Adam was very strong, which made it tougher and for this reason I am even happier. It was also important to have widened the gap with the other guys in the GC.
I knew the ending well and how to approach it in the best way. I knew I had to start early and enter the last two corners first.
The title of the UAE Tour general classification is far from over, given that we will still have to face an uphill finish and given that the wind can still create dangers in the last four stages”.

The 4th stage will be 204 km of flat roads with start and finish on Marjan Island.

Stage 3 results

1. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) 3h58’35 “
2. Adam Yates (Ineos-Grenadiers) s.t.
3. Sergio Higuita (Ef-Nippo) 48 ”

General classification after the 3rd stage

1. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) 7h58’30 “
2. Adam Yates (Ineos-Grenadiers) 43 ”
3. Joao Almeida (Deceunick-Quick Step) 1’03 “