Dan Martin (UAE Team Emirates) showed good form at the UAE Tour today as he went on the attack on the difficult summit finish at Jebel Hafeet before being reeled in and taking fifth on the stage.
The Irishman had gone clear with race leader Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) and David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) with just over four kilometres remaining with Emanuel Buchmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) joining them. They were chased down by World Champion Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Davide Formolo (Bora-Hansgrohe).
Martin was caught by Valverde as Buchmann, Gaudu and Roglic stayed clear. Valverde chased down the leading trio before going on to take the stage win ahead of Roglic and Gaudu. Martin finished in fifth, 12″ down and has now moved up to sixth overall at 54″. Afterwards, he expressed his satisfaction with his performance.
“The climb was very fast,” said Martin. “There was a tail-wind and we had a strong push thanks to it. We wanted to win here today, like in every stage this week in our team’s home race, but I couldn’t give any more. It’s not what I wanted, clearly, but I’m happy all the same with my performance.
“My team-mates worked incredibly well for me and we are showing a true group spirit. Fernando won yesterday and today he was at the front in the wind for us, this shows that we are fighting together to get the best possible result for the team.
“Regarding the overall classification, there are still some complicated days ahead to race, especially with the wind, and for this reason we are going to take it day by day.”
The fourth stage tomorrow travels from Dubai to Hatta Dam, the longest stage of this race at 197km. In the last 200 metres, the road ramps upwards at 12 to 17%.
Stage 3 results
1 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Movistar 4h44’50”
2 Primoz Roglic (Slo) Team Jumbo-Visma s.t.
3 David Gaudu (Fra) Groupama-FDJ s.t.
5 Daniel Martin (Irl) UAE Team Emirates 12″
General classification after stage 3
1 Primoz Roglic (Slo) Team Jumbo-Visma 9h38’05”
2 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Movistar 14″
3 David Gaudu (Fra) Groupama-FDJ 31″
6 Daniel Martin (UAE Team Emirates) 54″
