Ulissi 4th on steep UAE Tour finale

Diego Ulissi mixed it up with the sprinters to claim 4th place on the steep uphill finish on Stage 2 of the UAE Tour from Hatta to Hatta Dam (168k). Ulissi’s teammate Tadej Pogačar was just behind in 9th place after a good display of teamwork in the final kilometres.

The UAE Team Emirates trio of Ulissi, Pogačar and Formolo were present at the head of the reduced bunch as they reached the base of the final ascent, keeping themselves protected as several other GC riders became detached. The real battle for the general classification is set to commence tomorrow on the climb of Jebel Hafeet.

Stage 3 tomorrow will see the race first mountain stage as the riders go from Al Qudra Cycle Track to Jebel Hafeet (184k). 

Ulissi: “It was mainly relaxed day in the peloton. Obviously with the steep finish at Hatta Dam it made it more complicated in the closing kilometres. It was a finish that suited the really explosive riders and I think I did well. We were all in a great position coming into the bottom and I jumped from the bottom of the climb and ended up just off the podium.  I’m feeling good and it bodes well for the rest of the week”. 

Stage 2 results:

1. Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal) 4h18’16’’

2. Sam Bennett (DQS) + 2’’

3. Arnaud Demare (FDJ) +4’’

4. Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) +4’’

General Classification after stage 2:

1. Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal) 7h47’19’’

2. Sam Bennett (DQS) + 12’’

3. Arnaud Demare (FDJ) +16’’

11. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) +20’’

12. Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) +20’’