Caleb Ewan foiled Sam Bennett’s attempt at a hat-trick of sprint wins at the 2021 UAE Tour with victory in today’s final stage in Abu Dhabi. Photo: LaPresse – Fabio Ferrari
Caleb Ewan foiled Sam Bennett’s attempt at a hat-trick of sprint wins at the 2021 UAE Tour with victory in today’s final stage in Abu Dhabi.
The Australian Lotto-Soudal rider crossed the line ahead of his Irish opponent with Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain-Victorious) in third.
“We came here to win a stage and there was only one more left to take. There was a bit of pressure on me to wrap up with a good result today,” Ewan said.
“It was a bit of a relief when I crossed the line. I haven’t been this far into the year without a win in my whole career.
“I have big plans for this year. This victory will help me to build my confidence ahead of the races in Europe,” a delighted Ewan confirmed.
Meanwhile, overall leader Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) finished safely in the peloton to claim the overall title, 35 seconds ahead of Adam Yates (Ineos) with Bennett’s teammate Joao Almeida in third at 1:02.
Pogacar turned the tables on Yates who had got the better of him in the season-opening WorldTour event 12 months ago.
Yates was the victim of a fall 40km from the line, but dusted himself off to climb back on his bike to rejoin the peloton.
“This is really big. It was my first goal of the season and my first home race, so it was really important and I’m super happy,” Pogacar said.
“My team and teammates did a really good job and we took the win. This is one of our best achievements. I’ll come back to the UAE for sure,” Pogacar promised.
Stage seven
| 1 | Caleb Ewan | AUS | +3:18:29 |
| 2 | Sam Bennett | IRL | |
| 3 | Phil Bauhaus | GER | |
| 4 | Michael Morkov | DEN | |
| 5 | Cees Bol | NED | |
| 6 | Andre Greipel | GER | |
| 7 | Andrea Vendrame | ITA | |
| 8 | Luka Megec | SLV | |
| 9 | Riccardo Minali | ITA | |
| 10 | Yegeniy Gidich | KAZ |
*Selected
| 35 | Louis Meintjes | RSA |
| 56 | Stefan de Bod | RSA |
General classification
| 1 | Tadej Pogacar | SLV | 24:00:28 |
| 2 | Adam Yates | GBR | +0:35 |
| 3 | Joao Almeida | POR | +1:02 |
| 4 | Chris Harper | AUS | +1:42 |
| 5 | Neilson Powless | USA | +1:45 |
| 6 | Mattias Skjelmose Jensen | DEN | +2:37 |
| 7 | Damiano Caruso | ITA | +2:39 |
| 8 | Mattia Cattaneo | ITA | +3:53 |
| 9 | Ruben Fernandez | ESP | +4:13 |
| 10 | Fausto Masnada | ITA | +6:30 |
*Selected
| 18 | Louis Meintjes | RSA | +11:18 |
| 24 | Stefan de Bod | RSA | +12:34 |
