In the second stage of the UAE Tour Women, spanning 111 km from Al Dhafra Fort to Al Mirfa, UAE Team ADQ employed an aggressive strategy amidst windy desert conditions. The team sent Lara Gillespie, Elisa Longo Borghini, and Karlijn Swinkels into the breakaway, leading to their respective third, fourth, and fifth-place finishes.
The stage was won by Dutch rider Lorena Wiebes of SD Worx, who maintained her lead in the General Classification.
This outcome was highly favorable for UAE Team ADQ, significantly influencing the GC on the eve of the much-anticipated mountain stage finishing at Jebel Hafeet. Currently, Lorena Wiebes leads the GC, with Lara Gillespie in second place at 13 seconds, Elisa Longo Borghini fourth at 16 seconds, and Karlijn Swinkels fifth at 21 seconds. Notably, the Italian champion, Longo Borghini, holds a 1’30” advantage over her closest rivals ahead of the Jebel Hafeet climb.
Post-stage, Karlijn Swinkels donned the black jersey as the leader of the Intermediate Sprints Classification. Reflecting on the day, the Dutch rider commented: “It was an incredible day. We aimed for an aggressive strategy from the start, and that’s what we executed. Finding ourselves three in the breakaway, we hoped a larger group would join, but it was just five of us. The work in the wind was substantial, but I believe we perfectly executed our plan today. I’m happy and proud of our team and personally pleased to wear this jersey.”
In today’s stage of the UAE Tour Women, the highest average speed ever recorded in a UCI Women’s WorldTour stage was achieved: 47.5 km/h over 111 km from Al Dhafra Fort to Al Mirfa. This result highlights the high level of competitiveness in women’s cycling.
Among the five leading riders, three were from UAE Team ADQ and used the new Colnago Y1Rs, an aerodynamic bike designed for fast races. The Y1Rs features an innovative design with the CC.Y1 handlebars and a curved downtube, optimizing aerodynamic flow in all wind conditions.
NEXT STAGES:
Stage 3 | 08/02/2025 | Al Ain Stage
Al Ain Qasr al Muwaiji – Jebel Hafeet | Climb stage (152 km)
Start: 12:10 – Finish: 16:30 (UAE Time)
Live on discovery+/Eurosport
Stage 4 | 09/02/2025 | Abu Dhabi Stage
Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Academy – Abu Dhabi Breakwater | Sprint stage (128 km)
Start: 13:25 – Finish: 16:30 (UAE Time)
Live on discovery+/Eurosport
(ph. Getty Sport)
