UAE Tour 2020: Fernando Gaviria frustrated in opening stage sprint finale

David Cooper - Writer 17:39 23/02/2020
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  • It was a frustrating day for UAE Team Emirates’ star Fernando Gaviria as he got boxed in with 200m remaining and failed to contest the final sprint on the opening stage of the UAE Tour.

    The Colombian, who sealed three wins already this season, was unable to build on his productive 2020 form and was forced to settle for 20th place in the first stage of the home race.

    The opening stage was won by Pascal Ackermann of Bora-Hansgrohe, who marginally pipped Lotto Soudal’s Caleb Ewan to the line.

    A strong overall performance from UAE Team Emirates saw Oliviero Troia pulling the peloton throughout the race in an attempt to keep the early breakaway of four riders on a manageable leash.

    The breakaway was eventually caught with 14km to go as the peloton started to accelerate and get their sprinters into formation.

    Maximilano Richeze guided Gaviria expertly to the final 200m as the Colombian looked to open his sprint.

    However, it was a frustrating end to the race for the 25-year-old, as two riders blocked him in causing him to halt his sprint inside the final frenetic metres.

    Gaviria said: “There was a bit of contact in the sprint which hampered me, but in a hectic finale that’s to be expected.

    “The main thing is no crashes and the legs are good for the next stages.

    “I’m already looking to tomorrow which is a steep uphill that don’t really suits me, but I will try, along with the team, to give my best.”

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