The final day of racing at the UAE Tour saw Team dsm-firmenich PostNL as one of the main antagonists in the windy conditions, looking to split things before the climb of Jebel Hafeet. Riding well as a group, they ensured that climber Max Poole was always in position, even in the calmer earlier moments before things split in the final third of the day. Yet, despite the several splits, the front few groups ultimately came back together and a reduced peloton headed towards the climb together, still trailing the day’s breakaway. A strong pace was set on the ascent and it became a race of attrition with Poole riding strongly to be in the final 15 riders. Heading into the last three kilometres, Poole put in a strong and sustained attack but into the slight headwind those behind were able to claw him back. The attacks continued and eventually race winner Van Eetvelt escaped with Poole riding his own tempo to the line; finishing just outside the top ten on the stage but ending the race overall in a fine seventh place on GC.
Poole said: “It was a nervous day today with the big chance for echelons. The guys once again were really strong and put me in the front when everything split. It all came back together which was a shame and then the guys again did some strong pulls to bring me into the climb in a good position. With how the wind was today you had to be patient and it was not so hard in the group so it made it quite a punchy final. I took a gamble and put a big dig in. Unfortunately, today it didn’t come off but I’m happy that I can take some learning points forward for when we reach the bigger goals further down the line.”