Molano inches closer at AlUla Tour with top-5

UAE Team Emirates battled crosswinds on stage 3 of the AlUla Tour with gusts splitting the peloton as a reduced group fought it out for the win in Saudi Arabia, with UAE Team Emirates placing two riders in the top-10. Sebastian Molano took 5th place with Rui Oliveira just behind in 7th as Tim Merlier (Soudal Quickstep) took victory.

The stage from AlUla International Airport to AlUla Camel Cup Track (170.6km) was split to pieces with strong crosswinds causing havocs on the exposed roads. The UAE sprint train was on the right side of the split as well as G hopeful Finn Fisher Black.

Fisher Black continues to climb the GC now sitting in 8th place, 15” off race leader Casper Van Uden (DSM) ahead of tomorrow’s stage from Hegra to Maraya(142.2km)

Molano : Ivo and Rui (Oliveira) did a perfect job today in the crosswinds and setting things up for the leadout. We were well placed at the front and made the split which was important. I had a bit of an upset stomach today and was missing a bit of strength in the final but I think the legs are getting stronger and hope to be up fighting for a win soon.”

Stage 3 results 

1.Tim Merlier (Soudal Quickstep) 3:59:52

2.Arvid De Kleijn (Tudor) s.t

3.Casper Van Uden (DSM Firmenich) s.t

5.Sebastian Molano (UAE Team Emirates) s.t

GC after stage 3

1.Casper Van Uden (DSM Firmenich) 12:00:37

2.Tim Merlier (Soudal Quickstep) +2”

3.Matteo Sobrero (Bora-Hansgrohe) +10”

5.Finn Fisher Black (UAE Team Emirates) +15”