UAE Team Emirates puts its young Slovenians in the top 10

UAE Team Emirates are keeping its place in the top rankings of the Tour Down Under and after the third stage today – Lobethal to Uraidla, 146.2km – it continues to lead the team classification.
Young Slovenians Jan Polanc (photo Bettini) and Tadej Pogačar, 46 years between them, led the way to sixth and eighth in the sprint. Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) took the win ahead of Luis León Sánchez (Astana Pro Team) in a group of about 40 lead rides.

“The route was full of ups and downs and the hot weather made the day difficult, so just over 30 riders fought for the sprint finish,” said Polanc, now seventh overall at 15 seconds behind Patrick Bevin (CCC Team) “I wasn’t in great position for the sprint, but I was able to move up and take a good placing“.

Pogačar is making his debut in a WorldTour race at the Tour Down Under: “The intensity is hight in this race, every climb was ridden at high speeds,” Pogačar explained. “I had good feelings, I also tried to get myself in the attacks on the last climb. In the sprint, I was a little closed out at 300 metres to go, even if I was able to fight back and arrive in the top 10“.

Stage 3 results
1 Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) 3h46’06”
2 Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) s.t.
3 Daryl Impey (Team Dimension Data) s.t.
6 Jan Polanc (UAE Team Emirates) s.t.

Classification after 3 stages
1 Patrick Bevin (CCC Team) 10h20’09”
2 Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) 1″
3 Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) 9″
7 Jan Polanc (UAE Team Emirates) 15″