Ackermann gathering speed as UAE Tour heats up

After a top-10 finish yesterday, Pascal Ackermann showed his growing form with 3rd place on the second stage of the UAE Tour from Hudayriyat Island to Abu Dhabi Breakwater (176km).

Ackermann was guided in the final by veteran leadout specialist Maximiliano Richeze and showed a fast turn of speed in the final straight, just getting blocked in and unable to get past stage winner Mark Cavendish (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl).

 
The new recruit joined UAE Team Emirates this year and was called into the squad last minute to cover the withdrawal of Fernando Gaviria who was ruled out with Covid-19.
He is showing good form in a field packed with world class sprinters.

 
Ackermann : “It was a nervous start with a lot of wind so it was important to move together as a team and stay protected. After we survived the crosswind we worked towards the sprint. Richeze did a great job and brought me up perfectly to the wheel of Cavendish. Unluckily I couldn’t finish it off because I got a bit blocked but I’m happy that we were able to be up with the other sprinters and it gives me confidence for the last two sprints that are coming. Now we’ll work towards the GC for the next couple if days.”

 
Tomorrow the race for the General Classification really begins with the 9km pan-flat time trial starting and finishing in Ajman.

Stage 2 results

1. Mark Cavendish (Quick Step Alpha Vinyl) 4:20:05
2. Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Fenix) s.t
3. Pascal Ackermann (UAE Team Emirates) s.t

 
General classification after Stage 2

1.Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Fenix) 9:03:03
2.Dmitry Strakhov (Gazprom-Rusvelo) +4’’
3.Mark Cavendish (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) +6’’
5.Pascal Ackermann (UAE Team Emirates) +12’’