BACK TO BACK WINS FOR MILAN

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, 20 February 2026 - Italy continues its perfect run at the UAE Tour, as Jonathan Milan confirms his status as the fastest man in the race. After yesterday’s victory in Fujairah, the Lidl-Trek sprinter delivered another commanding performance in Dubai, claiming his second consecutive stage win.

This time, Erlend Blikra—celebrating his first career WorldTour podium—and Matteo Malucelli, once again among the top three on this finish as he was in 2025, were left to contest the remaining podium places behind the Italian. Earlier in the day, the breakaway once more tested the peloton, with Gianni Moscon, Nickolas Zukowsky and Black Jersey wearer Silvan Dillier holding on until just after the final three kilometres. The general classification remains unchanged, with Antonio Tiberi still in control ahead of the race’s second and final summit finish at Jebel Hafeet, where the overall standings are set to be decided.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

1 - Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious)

2 - Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates XRG) at 21"

3 - Harold Tejada (XDS Astana Team) at 1'00"

4 - Lennert Van Eetvelt (Lotto Intermarché) at 1'07"

5 - Luke Plapp (Team Jayco AlUla) at 1'19"

STAGE RESULTS

1 - Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek), 168km in 3h33'18", average speed 47.257 km/h

2 - Erlend Blikra (Uno-X Mobility) s.t.

3 - Matteo Malucelli (XDS Astana Team) s.t.

THE OFFICIAL JERSEYS

The leader jerseys of the UAE Tour are provided by ALÉ

•          Red Jersey, leader of the General Classification, sponsored by Abu Dhabi Ports Group - Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious)

•          Green Jersey, leader of the Points Classification, sponsored by Mubadala - Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek)

•          White Jersey, Best Young Rider, sponsored by Burjeel Holdings - Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious) - worn by Lennert Van Eetvelt (Lotto Intermarché)

•          Black Jersey, leader of the Intermediate Sprint Classification, sponsored by ALDAR - Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Premier Tech)

PRESS CONFERENCE

Speaking in the press conference, the stage winner Jonathan Milan said: "My confidence comes from my teammates. I see how much they believe in me, so I have no choice but deliver a nice result like today’s. We work hard for bring this home and it means a lot to us. I feel pretty good about my lead out. It’s always difficult to stay together, but goal remains to bring me in a good spot. They know their job, we’re looking forward to doing it at the Giro d’Italia as well"

The Red Jersey Antonio Tiberi said: "Today it was quite easy for me, I managed to stay covered and fresh with the help of my teammates, I even started thinking about tomorrow. I’ve had the last climb [Jebel Hafeet] in my mind several times. I know it [from three years ago] but I probably should study it a bit more. I’ll be ready to defend my lead. My team is ready".

STATISTICS

•          Jonathan Milan claims his 4th stage win at the UAE Tour, moving past Sam Bennett and Caleb Ewan to claim 3rd place.

Only Tim Merlier (7 wins) and Tadej Pogacar (6) won more stages in this race.

•          Jonathan Milan is the second rider to claim back-to-back stage wins in the history of this race after Tim Merlier (stages 5 and 6 last year).

•          Erlend Blikra posted the best ever result for Norway at the UAE Tour: 2nd. So far, their best result had been a 4th place, scored 3 times, the last one by Tobias Foss in stage 2, 2024.

•          Second podium for Matteo Malucelli (3rd) after a 2nd place to Tim Merlier in stage 5 last year.

•          Jonathan Milan continues to be the only winner for Lidl - Trek this year. All the 4 wins of the team came from him (2 stages at the AlUla Tour, 2 at the UAE Tour).

TOMORROW'S STAGE

STAGE 6, AL AIN MUSEUM-JEBEL HAFEET, 168 KM - BURJEEL HOLDINGS STAGE

The route

The classic mountain stage of the UAE Tour. In the first part, the route winds its way through Al Ain, where many of its landmarks (UAE University, Al Qattara, Al Hili) are visited, then takes a long ride through the desert to the west and eventually returns to Green Mubazzarah. Here begins the final climb of Jebel Hafeet, which – at 10 km long – will be the final judge of the race.