Tim Merlier won the fifth stage of the UAE Tour, finishing at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, 160km.

It was supposed to be a quiet stage, also thanks to a completely flat route, but instead Tadej Pogacar, once again, created chaos over 130 km from the finish line. The Slovenian attacked together with his teammate Domen Novak, with Lennert Van Eetvelt on his wheel. Eleven riders found themselves in front, including other early escapees, with the group forced to chase.

After having achieved a maximum advantage of more than two minutes, the action ended with 40 km to go.

In the end, as expected, it was a sprint that decided the stage victory: Merlier won ahead of Matteo Malucelli and Jonathan Milan. In the final, there were two falls: among those involved were Felix Gall and Pablo Castrillo.

Pogacar remains leader of the general classification.

Sprint Cycling Photo

Order of arrival:

1 MERLIER Tim Soudal Quick-Step 3:16:55

2 MALUCELLI Matteo XDS Astana Team ,,

3 MILAN Jonathan Lidl - Trek ,,

4 WELSFORD Sam Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe ,,

5 KOGUT Oded Israel - Premier Tech,,

6 ZIJLAARD Maikel Tudor Pro Cycling Team ,,

7 VAN POPPEL Danny Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe ,,

8 BAUHAUS Phil Bahrain - Victorious,,

9 REINDERS Elmar Team Jayco AlUla,,

10 MEZGEC Luka Team Jayco AlUla ,,