{"id":8508,"date":"2025-02-10T10:31:26","date_gmt":"2025-02-10T09:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fdj-suez.fr\/uae-tour-wind-sprints-and-a-battle-in-the-mountains\/"},"modified":"2025-04-18T10:53:20","modified_gmt":"2025-04-18T08:53:20","slug":"uae-tour-wind-sprints-and-a-battle-in-the-mountains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fdj-suez.fr\/en\/uae-tour-wind-sprints-and-a-battle-in-the-mountains\/","title":{"rendered":"UAE Tour : wind, sprints and a battle in the mountains"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From 6 to 9 February, the UAE Tour F\u00e9minin kicked off the WorldTour season with a demanding course combining massive sprints, tricky winds and a decisive high altitude finish. This third edition once again put the spotlight on the sprinters, but also on the climbers ready to score the first points of the season. <\/em><\/p>\n\n

A high-voltage start<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

From the very first stage, around Dubai, the hierarchy of female sprinters became clear. On a 149km route with no major difficulties, victory came down to a sprint, with an expected duel between Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) and Charlotte Kool (Team Picnic PostNL). Wiebes confirmed her status as favourite by winning with authority, while a massive crash 50 metres from the line marked the opening stages of the race. Fortunately, Juliette Labous was able to avoid the pitfalls and reach the finish safely. <\/p>\n\n

A second day of edging <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The next stage, between Al Dhafra Fort and Al Mirfa (111km), took a more eventful turn with a strong crosswind that caused tackles from the very first kilometres. A small group broke away, including overall leader Lorena Wiebes and Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ). Despite the presence of some climbers in the breakaway, the sprint once again went to Wiebes, who consolidated her place at the top of the classification. <\/p>\n\n

The ascent of Jebel Hafeet, the General’s justice of the peace<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The third stage was one of the key moments of this edition, with a finish at the summit of Jebel Hafeet (9.5km at 7.4%). On this steep terrain, the sprinters had to give way to the mountain specialists. Three kilometres from the summit, Elisa Longo Borghini launched a razor-sharp attack, leaving her rivals in her wake and winning solo. Behind her, Juliette Labous managed to limit the gap and maintain a solid position in the overall classification. <\/p>\n\n

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A sprint to the finish<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The fourth and final stage, contested around Abu Dhabi on a totally flat 127km course, ended as expected in a bunch sprint, won once again by Lorena Wiebes. Behind her, Sara Fiorin (Ceratizit Pro Cycling Team) and Amalie Dideriksen (Cofidis Women Team) completed the day’s podium. <\/p>\n\n

The final was not without incident, as the race was marked by a big crash 100 metres from the line, involving several riders. Fortunately, the overall leaders, including Juliette Labous (11th GC), crossed the line safely. <\/p>\n\n

Elisa Longo Borghini took her first win of the season, ahead of team-mate Silvia Persico and Kimberley Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal Team), who completed the final podium.<\/p>\n\n

The UAE Women’s Tour offered a blend of intensity and strategy, with explosive sprints, unpredictable bends and mountain battles. A first major rehearsal for the riders before the major events of the season. <\/p>\n\n

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