Remco Evenepoel seals UAE Tour victory, Adam Yates wins final stage

Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step) secured the overall victory in the UAE Tour (2.UWT) on Sunday. He finished second in the queen stage over 153 kilometres, behind British rider Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates).

On the final climb to Jebel Hafeet, three kilometres from the finish line, Evenepoel had to let go of Yates. At the finish, the Brit held 10 seconds over Evenepoel. Second place in today's stage was enough for the Belgian rider to seal the overall UAE Tour victory.

With two stage wins by Tim Merlier, one win in the team time trial, and Evenepoel's overall victory, Soudal-Quick Step can be very satisfied with the team's results in this year's UAE Tour. "I am satisfied," Evenepoel commented after crossing the finish line. "We win three times with the team, and now I take the overall victory. I also came in second twice in a mountain stage, and with some luck, I may manage to win on Jebel Jais. So we can be happy with the team. Things are moving in the right direction for the Giro, and I am especially happy to take my first win since becoming the world champion in this beautiful race. My wife is from Morocco, so to win here, in this region, that's quite special."

On the honours list, world champion Evenepoel is the successor to Tadej Pogacar, who won the previous two editions.

(BRV)

^{Remco Evenepoel © PHOTO Marco Alpozzi/LaPresse/Sipa USA}