Rui Costa top-5 on first big test in Saudi Tour

Rui Costa was best placed of the UAE contingent in Saudi Tour with the 35 year old placing 5th on the uphill finish of Stage 2 from Taibah University to Abu Rakah (163.9km).

His compatriot Rui Oliveira finished closely behind in 8th place, while stage honours went to the Colombian Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain-Victorious).

Buitrago also now leads the GC with Costa up to 4th place, just 14’’ in arrear.

Tomorrow the racing at Saudi Tour continues with Stage 3 from Tayma Hadaj Well to AlUla Old Town (181.2km) with the sprinters likely to have another opportunity.

 
Stage 2 results

1.Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain-Victorious) 3:43:51
2.Andrea Bagioli (Quick-Step-Alpha Vinyl) +1’’
3.Anthon Charmig (Uno-X) +7’’
5. Rui Costa(UAE Team Emirates) s.t
8. Rui Oliveira (UAE Team Emirates) s.t

 
General Classification after Stage 2

1. Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain-Victorious) 8:25:33
2. Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal) +7’’
3. Anthon Charmig (Uno-X) +13’’
4. Rui Costa (UAE Team Emirates) +14’’