photo credits @ AlUla Tou
Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) soloed to victory in the final stage of the AlUla Tour today, securing the overall title as well.
The Swiss rider rode clear of an elite group of GC contenders late in the stage, later crossing the finish more than 10 seconds ahead Byron Munton (Modern Adventure Pro Cycling), while Christen’s teammate, Igor Arrieta, led a group of five riders home some 30 seconds later to snatch the final spot on the podium.
In the end, Christen took the overall race victory away from the previous leader, Yannis Voisard (Tudor Pro Cycling), after dropping his Swiss rival on the steep climb of Harrat Uwayrid.
Race Highlights
An early breakaway saw Dries De Bondt, Milan Fretin, Javier Ibanez, Federico Iacomoni, Lars Vanden Heede, Rayan Boulahoite and Juan Pedro Lozano ride clear of the peloton. However, the septet was never allowed to open up much of an advantage, as Bahrain Victorious and Tudor Pro Cycling Team kept a short leash on the escapees.
With 20 kilometres to go, the breakaway group was all but absorbed, while the first ramp of Harrat Uwayrid caused a split in the peloton, leaving only a dozen riders at the front, prompting Higuita to make a move.
Christen responded, while Alfonso Eulalio struggled to stay on terms, along with Voisard, who cracked along the steepest section.
From there, Christen attacked, quickly distancing the remnants of the lead group, while behind, the general classification turned into a battle for survival.
Christen later crested the summit to take a solo victory, with Munton arriving second, while Voisard, Eulalio and Higuita tried to limit their losses.
The final GC saw Christen beat Higuita by 15 seconds, while Arrieta filled out the final podium in third at 21 seconds back.
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