After Thursday’s opening stage podium, Team dsm-firmenich PostNL tried to animate the stage in the crosswinds at UAE Tour. However, despite getting an initial group of ten clear which included Pfeiffer Georgi and Rachele Barbieri, things eventually regrouped. A few more echelon attempts were made but nothing could stop the inevitable bunch sprint finish. Unfortunately, it was a hectic finale and Barbieri suffered a drop-chain in the chaos and was unable to repeat stage one’s strong result.
Road captain Georgi said: “We were prepared for the wind today and took the initiative in the echelons, and made it in the front group of ten. It all came back together so we then fully focused on Rachele for the sprint. It was a long headwind straight to the finish so we tried to be patient and come late, but unfortunately Rachele had a mechanical in the sprint so couldn’t fully open up. We’ve still got another sprint chance on Sunday though!”