Uae Tour: Philipsen wins the fifth stage, Pogacar remains the leader of the race

From our correspondent Ciro Scognamiglio

February 24
– Milan

Jasper Philipsen (Bel, Alpecin-Fenix) won the fifth stage of the UAE Tour, 181 km and finish at the artificial island of Al Marjan. The 23-year-old Slovenian Tadej Pogacar (UAE-Emirates) kept the leader’s jersey, despite a puncture in the final forced him to chase to rejoin the group shortly after the less than 5km to the finish. The 23-year-old who was born in Mol, the same city as a certain Tom Boonen, beat Kooij and Bennett in a sprint. For Italy, 4th Malucelli and 6th Viviani.

Thus the previous stage winners: Philipsen (Bel, Alpecin-Fenix); Cavendish (Gb, Quick-Step Alpha Vynil); Bissegger (Svi, Ef-EasyPost); Pogacar (Slo, Uae-Emirates). The Abu Dhabi Sports Council race, organized with the technical collaboration of RCS Sport, continues on Friday with the sixth stage: 180 km starting and finishing at the Dubai Expo. Conclusion on Saturday with the seventh stage, the expected and decisive arrival at high altitude in Jebel Hafeet.