First stage of UAE Tour 2026 shortened due to strong wind

The first stage of the UAE Tour 2026 has been shortened by 26 kilometers. Strong winds forced the race organization to make this decision. As a result, the stage is no longer 144 kilometers long but is now reduced to 118 kilometers. Currently, Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Deceuninck) is out front as a solo escapee.

In the southernmost part of Monday’s route, there were originally two laps scheduled over the Moreeb Dune cycling track. This circuit is just over eighteen kilometres long. Instead of two laps around this loop, the peloton will now only do one. Additionally, this means the expected finish time is now earlier. The arrival is projected around 12:50 PM CET.