Tim Merlier won the fifth stage of the Tour of the United Arab Emirates and is now leading Tadej Pogačar in the overall standings. The Belgian Tim Merlier was the fastest in the stage, covering 165 kilometers in Abu Dhabi. This was the sixth and final stage of the Tour UAE 2025, the only international event in the region of the Middle East, which contributes to the international calendar of the World Cycling Association. The race concluded today at the top of Jebel Hafeet in the city of Al Ain.
The "Soudal-Quick-Step" team rider Merlier became the stage winner and confirmed his leading position by finishing with a time of 3 hours, 44 minutes, and 14 seconds. He showcased impressive performance, outpacing his competitors Jasper Philipsen and Jonas Vingegaard, who took second and third place respectively.
The competition between Pogačar and Joao Tarleng remains the same, meaning that Pogačar beat the British rider by 21 seconds, while the third in the general classification, Spaniard Ivan Romeo from Movistar, trails the leader by 27 seconds. Italian Jonathan Milan from Lead Trek remains in the leader's jerseys with a few points and continues to wear the green jersey, sponsored by Etihad Airways. Merlier, after his victory, secures second place with 56 points, while behind him in third position is Serbian Dorde Juric, who also wears the black jersey of the intermediate speed stage leader. This achievement is also noticeable in relation to Tarleng, who sponsors the best young cyclist’s blue jersey.
