Abu Dhabi, Febuary 21: Mark Cavendish (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team) has won Stage 2, of the fourth edition of the UAE Tour organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Cavendish won the 176km from Hudayriyat Island to Abu Dhabi Breakwater, ahead of Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Fenix) and Pascal Ackermann (UAE Team Emirates).
Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Fenix) retains the Red Jersey.
PROVISIONAL STAGE RESULT
1 – Mark Cavendish (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team), 176km in 4h20’45”, average speed 40.498km/h
2 – Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Fenix) s.t.
3 – Pascal Ackermann (UAE Team Emirates) s.t.
OFFICIAL JERSEYS
Red Jersey, General Classification. Sponsor: International Holding Company – Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Fenix)
Green Jersey, Points Classification. Sponsor: Italian Trade Agency (ICE) – Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Fenix)
White Jersey, Young Rider Classification. Sponsor: Nakheel – Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Fenix)
Black Jersey, Intermediate Sprint Classification. Sponsor: Abu Dhabi Aviation – Dmitrii Strakhov (Gazprom-Rusvelo)
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1 – Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Fenix)
2 – Dmitrii Strakhov (Gazprom-Rusvelo) at 4″
3 – Mark Cavendish (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team) at 6″.
Speaking seconds after the stage finish, the stage winner Mark Cavendish said: “I knew we could win here. A third of the team are first year professionals so this is the first or second race in their career – they were super professional today. Their job was to get me to the final with me feeling as fresh as possible and they did it so well that I was able to launch with 300 to 350m to go into a headwind. I’m happy I could hold off Philipsen.”
The Red Jersey Jasper Philipsen said: “I was missing just a few watts today. I was a bit far back at the end but I just had to go. I knew it was going to be a tough sprint because of the headwind and Mark was the fastest today. I’m a bit disappointed but we’ll try to go for the win again in the next sprint.”