Tadej Pogačar Dominates Jebel Hafeet To Secure UAE Tour Title

Tadej Pogačar showcased an impressive performance on Jebel Hafeet, clinching the seventh and final stage of the UAE Tour. This victory not only secured his third overall title in the event but also highlighted his prowess on home turf for UAE Team Emirates-XRG. The Slovenian cyclist broke away with 7.8 km left on the climb, leaving competitors behind in challenging crosswinds.

Earlier in the race, Pogačar, along with teammates Rune Herregodts and Florian Vermeersch, strategically positioned themselves as crosswinds hit with 125 km remaining. The trio joined a leading group that distanced itself from the peloton and maintained their lead. By the time they reached Jebel Hafeet's base, they had a three-minute advantage over the main group.

Vermeersch set a strong pace before handing over to Herregodts with 8.3 km to go. The Belgian rider pushed hard for another 500 meters before Pogačar launched his decisive attack. His double acceleration was too much for Oscar Onley (Team Picnic PostNL) and Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek), allowing him to take the lead.

Pogačar's lead continued to grow over the next kilometre, ensuring his third UAE Tour victory atop Jebel Hafeet. He crossed the finish line 33 seconds ahead of Ciccone, marking his second stage win of the week and his first UAE Tour title since 2022. This stage win is also his sixth in the race’s history.

Reflecting on his achievement, Pogačar stated, "It was crosswinds, so it was good to create some chaos in the group. We GC riders had to stay careful and attentive. At first, I wasn’t sure the break would cooperate, but it went to the finish, so it was a really good day."

Looking Forward to Future Races

Pogačar expressed gratitude towards his teammates for their support during the race. "With Florian and Rune in front, they kept getting me water and cooling me down. When Rune finished his effort, I decided to go solo to avoid any surprises or counterattacks. The guys did a great job for me," he said.

As he looks ahead, Pogačar plans to focus on one-day classics before returning to stage races at the Dauphiné. He shared his enthusiasm by saying he will try to enjoy these upcoming challenges.

With inputs from WAM