26 Feb 2019

Kwiato digs deep on Jebel Hafeet

Related riders

Michal Kwiatkowski

UAE Tour stage three: UAE University – Jebel Hafeet, 179km

Michal Kwiatkowski dug deep on the Jebel Hafeet summit finish on a tough third stage at UAE Tour.

The Polish national champion crossed the line in 16th place atop the highest peak in Abu Dhabi, 56 seconds back on stage winner Alejandro Valverde (Movistar).

The peloton had ridden at a controlled pace in the lead up to the climb, but as the speed ramped up the group splintered on the steep slopes.

Kwiatkowski had Pavel Sivakov, Kenny Elissonde and Gianni Moscon for support, but once race leader Primoz Roglic (Team Jumbo-Visma) attacked with 4.2km to every man in the bunch was forced to ride for themselves in a bid to stay in touch.

Moscon crossed the line shortly after Kwiatkowski, 1:09 back, with Sivakov and Elissonde all finishing moments later. Kwiatkowski sits 11th overall, 1:16 back on Roglic.

Reaction

- Matteo Tosatto

"The guys rode well together all day at the front. For the last climb Jumbo-Visma pulled at a great speed and that meant a lot of riders and big names were getting dropped. We had Kwiato, Gianni, Pavel and Kenny up there in the first group ahead of the last 5km. For Kwiato and Gianni it’s their first big GC day of the season.

"The form is building and this is a good start ahead of the stages and races to come. Tomorrow is another day."

Stage three result:

1. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) 4:44:50
2. Primoz Roglic (Team Jumbo-Visma) s.t.
3. David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ)
4. Emmanuel Buchmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) +4"
5. Dan Martin (UAE-Team Emirates) +12"
16. Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky) +56"

Overall standings:

1. Primoz Roglic (Team Jumbo-Visma) 9:38:05
2. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) +14"
3. David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) +31"
4. Emmanuel Buchmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) +39"
5. Wilco Kelderman (Team Sunweb) +47"
11. Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky) +1:16"