Jonathan Milan took his second stage win (after winning Stage 1 here already) of the UAE Tour in Umm Al Quwain, edging out Tim Merlier and Jasper Philipsen in a fiercely contested sprint. The Lidl-Trek rider launched his effort early and just managed to hold off his Belgian rivals, securing his third victory of the season.
After two days of GC battles, the TAQA Stage offered the sprinters another opportunity, but strong winds and echelons threatened to disrupt the script. The peloton split multiple times throughout the day, though UAE Team Emirates kept race leader Tadej Pogačar well-positioned. As the teams set up for the sprint, Milan kicked first, throwing his bike across the line just ahead of Merlier.
“I think I started sprinting a bit too early,” Milan admitted. “At the end, this throw of the bike made the difference in my favour on the photo-finish. I’m really happy with the result. We were always inside [the first group], we were ready for the echelons. We moved in a perfect way today.”
Merlier had the momentum in the final metres but ran out of road, settling for second, while Philipsen completed the podium. Milan’s victory makes him the most successful Italian rider in the history of the UAE Tour, with two stage wins to his name. He also joins an exclusive group, including Sam Bennett, Philipsen, Pogačar, and Merlier, who have all taken multiple wins in a single edition of the race. Only Merlier has gone one better, having won three times last year.
Pogacar stays in control
The aggressive racing in the crosswinds kept Pogačar and his UAE Team Emirates squad on their toes, but the Slovenian remained untroubled and continues to lead the general classification. His latest stint in the leader’s jersey is his 12th at the UAE Tour—matching the combined total of Primoz Roglic and Remco Evenepoel.
“My aim in the echelons was staying safe and not losing time,” Pogačar said. “In the echelons, you have fun if you are in the front group, and you don’t if you are behind. It wasn’t our initiative, we followed the moves. I’m always up for action anyway. I enjoyed it today.”
Milan’s second win of the race also earned him the green jersey as the new leader of the points classification, while Dorde Duric took over the black jersey for best young rider.
With another sprint stage to come before the final showdown in the mountains, Milan will have at least one more chance to chase a third win and match Merlier’s record from last year.
2024 UAE Tour Stage 4 result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Main photo credit: Sprint Cycling Agency
