Tim Merlier wins stage 5 of UAE Tour

Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) has won the UAE Tour's stage 5, ahead of Italian riders Matteo Malucelli (XDS Astana Team) and Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek).

The 160 km race, which started from the American University in Dubai, finished opposite the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University.

Crashes split the peloton at the start of the final kilometre, creating a chaotic finish.

Tadej Pogacar retains the Red Jersey of the race as he leads the General Classification. The UAE Team Emirates – XRG rider opted for an unconventional strategy, spending more than 100 km of the flat 160 km stage in a breakaway.

Pogacar, the overall leader, picked up bonuses on the intermediate sprints, gaining 21 seconds over second-placed Josh Tarling.

🚴💨 NEW RECORD ALERT! 💨🚴

Today’s stage was blistering! 🔥 The peloton smashed the UAE Tour road stage speed record, clocking in at 48.751 kph! 🚀 That’s faster than the previous record (46.771 kph) set on the Al Mirfa stage in 2021 by Mathieu Van der Poel.

History made. pic.twitter.com/O5HpEN46By

— UAE Tour Official (@uae_tour) February 21, 2025