Molano sprints to top-10 as UAE Tour gets underway

Sebastian Molano finished to the fore in a messy sprint on stage 1 of the UAE Tour from Al Dhafra Walk Madinat Zayed to Liwa (141km).

The Colombian fastman opened up the sprint early with 300m to go along with his compatriot Fernando Gaviria (Movistar). The strong headwind would prove favourable for those coming from behind. Tim Merlier (Soudal Quickstep) proved the quickest in the gallop to the line and will wear the red leaders jersey for stage 2 in the TT on Al Hudayriyat Island (12.1km).

Ivo Oliveira was the teams’ only casualty of the day in a crash inside the last 400m. The Portuguese leadout expert was lucky to escape with only abrasions and will be fit to take the start tomorrow.

Molano: “The front of the group stalled so I saw a gap and hit out early. The legs are really good, I feel strong and I hope day by day I’ll get closer to the win. There was a big crash behind and we had Ivo hit the ground but thankfully he’s okay. Tomorrow is a day for the GC guys and we should have some strong contenders for the stage.”

Stage 1 results

1.Tim Merlier (Soudal Quickstep) 3:09:55

2.Arvid De Kleijn (Tudor) s.t

3.Jakub Mareczko (Corratec) s.t

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