Tadej Pogačar has once again demonstrated his dominance in stage racing by securing a powerful victory on the first uphill finish of the 2025 UAE Tour. The Slovenian superstar unleashed a blistering sprint on the final climb, leaving his rivals struggling to keep up. His performance not only earned him the stage win but also cemented his status as the top contender for the overall title.
Belgian rider Lennert Van Eetvelt also put in an outstanding performance, finishing in fourth place. The young talent showcased his climbing abilities against some of the best riders in the world, reinforcing his growing reputation in the peloton.
Pogačar’s Early Statement
The UAE Tour, known for its mix of flat and mountainous stages, is often a battleground for climbers and sprinters alike. However, with its first significant uphill finish, the Jebel Hafeet climb, the race provided a key test for the general classification contenders.
As the peloton approached the decisive ascent, Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates took control at the front, setting a high tempo to drop weaker riders. Despite attacks from rivals, Pogačar remained composed, biding his time before launching a devastating sprint in the final few hundred meters.
His burst of acceleration proved too much for the competition, securing him a comfortable victory and the leader’s jersey. The win marks an early statement of intent from Pogačar, who is aiming to win his third UAE Tour title.
Van Eetvelt Impresses
Among the standout performers was Lennert Van Eetvelt, who finished fourth in a strong display of climbing ability. The Belgian rider, racing for Lotto Dstny, positioned himself well throughout the climb and showed resilience in the final sprint.
His result is a promising sign for the young talent, who has been making steady progress in stage racing. Competing against the likes of Pogačar and other elite climbers, his fourth-place finish indicates he has the potential to challenge for podium spots in future races.
What’s Next?
With Pogačar now in the leader’s jersey, his team will need to defend it in the upcoming stages. The UAE Tour traditionally features flat stages suited to sprinters, meaning he and his teammates will focus on maintaining control and avoiding time losses before the next major climbing challenge.
For Van Eetvelt, the strong result provides confidence as he continues his development. His team will likely aim to support him in the general classification, and if he maintains his form, he could surprise with another top result.
As the UAE Tour progresses, all eyes will remain on Pogačar. His dominant display on the first summit finish sends a clear message: he is in top form and ready to take on theworld’s best once again.
