Tim Merlier won the first stage of the UAE Tour, from Al Dhafra Castle to Al Mirfa of 151km.

In a wind-conditioned stage, the decisive action starts just under 30 km from the finish thanks to the work of Soudal Quick Step and Bahrain Victorious who take away a small group of 13 riders. Upon arrival, the fastest is the Belgian champion who precedes Caleb Ewan at the photo finish (even if many minutes pass before it's official). Third Mark Cavendish.

Remco Evenepoel, Pello Bilbao and Luke Plapp gain precious seconds for the standings. Adam Yates lost about fifty seconds. Merlier wears the first leader jersey of the general classification.

Photo Sprint Cycling

Order of arrival:

1 MERLIER Tim Soudal - Quick Step 3:17:35

2 Ewan Caleb Lot Dstny ,,

3 CAVENDISH Mark Astana Qazaqstan Team ,,

4 KOOIJ Olav Jumbo-Visma,,

5 ARNDT Nikias Bahrain - Victorious,,

6 BAUHAUS Phil Bahrain - Victorious,,

7 PLAPP Luke INEOS Grenadiers,,

8 EVENEPOEL Remco Soudal - Quick Step ,,

9 BILBAO Pello Bahrain - Victorious ,,

10 BOL Cees Astana Qazaqstan Team,,

Overall ranking:

1 MERLIER Tim Soudal - Quick Step 3:17:25

2 Ewan Caleb Lot Dstny 0:04

3 PLAPP Luke INEOS Grenadiers 0:05

4 CAVENDISH Mark Astana Qazaqstan Team 0:06

5 ARNDT Nikias Bahrain - Victorious 0:07

6 EVENEPOEL Remco Soudal - Quick Step 0:08

7 BILBAO Pello Bahrain - Victorious ,,

8 KOOIJ Olav Jumbo-Visma 0:10

9 BAUHAUS Phil Bahrain - Victorious,,

10 BOL Cees Astana Qazaqstan Team,,