Dutch cyclist Casper van Uden has surprisingly won the first stage in the tour of Saudi Arabia. Van Uden trumped Amsterdammer Dylan Groenewegen in the final sprint. The difference on the measurement was slightly more than a tire thickness.
The 30-year-old Groenewegen opened his season earlier this month with a win in the Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana and had his sights set on victory in Saudi Arabia. Last year, the North Hollander won the opening stage of the five-day stage race in the Middle East.
In the sprint to the finish at Al Manshiya Train Station, 22-year-old Van Uden benefited from the preparatory work of his teammates. They maneuvered him into a good position for a final acceleration. Groenewegen came on strong in the final meters, but was too late to pass Van Uden.
The tour of Saudi Arabia has five stages. The final ride is on Saturday, February 3.
Watch the final sprint of the first stage below.
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