Dubai (AFP) - Italian Jonathan Milan continued his specialty in speed competitions after winning the fifth stage title on Friday and his second in a row in the UAE Cycling Tour.

Published on: 02/20/2026 - 15:21

After crowning the fourth stage on Thursday in Fujairah Expressway, the Liddell-Trek team rider repeated his victory in the fifth stage, which was held in Dubai, after covering a distance of 166 km in a time of 3 hours, 33 minutes and 18 seconds, beating the Norwegian, Ireland Blekra, and his compatriot, Matteo Marucelli.

Milan said, "I studied this stage well and corrected the mistakes of last year's race, which I finished here (in Dubai) in third place, and I was aware of the importance of reaching the penultimate turn in first place."

He continued, "My colleagues provided me with great support and put me in a good position, and I am very happy with this result."

The red jersey for the leader of the standings remained in the possession of the Italian Antonio Tiberi before entering the sixth most difficult stage of the UAE race in the city of Al Ain, a distance of 168 km, including the final ascent to Jebel Hafeet (10.6 km with a grade of 6.9%).

Ranking of the top five in the fifth stage:

1-Italian Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) 3:33:18 hours

2-Norwegian Irish Blykra (Uno-X Mobility) same time

3- Italian Matteo Malucelli (XDS - Astana), same time

4- Czech Luka Mezgic (Jaikou - Al-Ula), same time

5- Italian Daniel Scurll (Bahrain Victorious), same time

Leading ranking:

1- Italian Antonio Tiberi 14:45:27 hours

2- Mexican Isaac del Toro, 0:21 seconds behind

3- Colombian Harold Tejada, 1.00 minutes behind

4- Belgian Lennart van Eetvelt, with a difference of 1:07 minutes.

5-Australian Lucas Blabb, with a difference of 1:19 minutes.

© 2026 AFP

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