The final day of the UAE Women’s Tour, contested on Sunday, produced an unexpected outcome. On the 105km flat course encircling Abu Dhabi, designed to favour the female sprinters, it was Amber Kraak who came out on top on the final stage.
Despite a predicted grouped finish, an early breakaway overturned the predictions. Kraak, in her first race in the colours of FDJ-SUEZ, got the better of her breakaway rivals Monica Greenwood and Sophie Wright, maintaining her lead despite intense pressure from the peloton and a chasing Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx – Protime), who eventually finished second.
As part of a breakaway that had a lead of up to three minutes, Kraak chose to attack alone with 7 kilometres to go, demonstrating the strength and determination that enabled her to hold out to the end. The peloton, led by Wiebes in the final metres, didn’t manage to catch the rider who crossed the line with a small but sufficient lead for victory.
It was Kraak’s first personal victory for FDJ-SUEZ, and proved the team’s ability to win in unpredictable race conditions.
The UAE Women’s Tour thus ends on a positive note for the team, with a significant stage win.
