UAE Tour 2024 – Stage 4 Preview
Back with another sprint at Dubai Harbour.
Route
Finale
It has been used before, last time in 2023 seeing Molano win. Very simple with a bend 750m out.
Weather
It will end in a mass sprint, not a lot of wind tomorrow.
Contenders
Merlier – took Sam Bennetts leadout and managed to get into the slipstream of the two South American sprinters before winning comfortably. He will start as one of the favorites tomorrow,
Jakobsen – not the best lead-out he got and not the worst. Lund Andresen was in the right spot at the right time but Jakobsen came a bit further back before finishing 4th. As I think I said the other day, he still needs more time with his train.
Welsford – Bora-Hansgrohe was the last team to have three riders more or less together. The issue was that they forget their sprinter. I still believe this is currently the best sprint train here, he starts as one of the favorites.
Molano – won here in 2023. He loves a chaotic sprint but he must not fall for the shenanigans of Gaviria. A top-5 is doable.
Bauhaus – the left side with Van Poppel was the wrong to pick. Once again, his positioning was very good, sitting on the wheel of Kooij. Another top-10 tomorrow.
Groves – Must have been boxed in. He was on Van Poppel’s wheel (or sharing it with Kooij), but never managed to open up his sprint. Jonas Rickaert will ensure he starts his sprint in a similar position tomorrow, he just has to hope for better luck.
Bennett – Pollefliet was very good on the first stage but Bennett was on the left side of the road, the losing side that day. On Bauhaus’ wheel is too far back.
Groenewegen – completely out of position the other day. He has to hope Mezgec finds a better place for him to start his sprint.
Kooij – spent too much time boxing with Groves, likely cost both of them a better result. He was in a strong position, just on the wrong side of the road.
Who will win?
These stages are so difficult to get right for me. I will go for Welsford again. Overall, I think their train looked the best.
