Dutch sprinter Casper van Uden, from DSM-firmenich PostNL, unexpectedly surpassed Dylan Groenewegen and Tim Merlier in the opening stage of the AlUla Tour.
The first stage of this Tour took cyclists from Al Manshiya Train Station and back, over 150 km. Even though the route featured some small climbs, the general expectation was for a race to be decided in a sprint.
Initial escape
A breakaway formed with a group of five cyclists after 40 km from the start, with the presence of Hassan Al Ibrahim, Ali Al Shaikhahmed, Carter Bettles, Masaki Yamamoto and Unai Zubeldia.
Despite gaining a two and a half minute lead, the inequalities between the five became evident early on. The two Saudi cyclists had to abandon after the first acceleration.
Zubeldia ended up being the last remnant of the escape being caught by the peloton, 12 km from the end.
Sprint on arrival
At the sprint finish, DSM-firmenich PostNL tried to dominate the field, however, UAE-Emirates presented the best formation for the sprint, trying to take Juan Sebastian Molano, who only ended up in 8th position.
This arrangement was surprisingly interrupted by an inspired Casper van Uden. Dylan Groenewegen also attempted a sprint in the final straight, however, the victory ended up belonging to the young Dutchman Casper van Uden, who achieved his first professional victory.
Watch the arrival
Results of the 1st stage of the AlUla Tour
Alula Tour General Classification after the 1st stage
