Merlier wins Stage 6 of the UAE Tour as Evenepoel defends the Red Jersey

Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) has won Stage 6, the Aldar Stage, of the 2023 UAE Tour, ahead of Sam Bennett (Bora - Hansgrohe) and Dylan Groenewegen (Team Jayco Alula). It is Merlier's second stage win of the race.

Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) meanwhile, has defended his General Classification lead and remains in the Red Jersey with one stage to go.

PROVISIONAL STAGE RESULT
1 - Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step), 170km in 3h41’12”, average speed 45.027km/h
2 - Sam Bennett (Bora - Hansgrohe) s.t.
3 - Dylan Groenewegen (Team Jayco Alula) s.t.

PROVISIONAL GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1 - Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step)
2 - Lucas Plapp (Ineos Grenaders) at 9"
3 - Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious) at 13"

OFFICIAL JERSEYS

• Red Jersey, General Classification. Sponsor: International Holding Company
  - Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step)
• Green Jersey, Points Classification. Sponsor: BeIT - Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
• White Jersey, Young Rider Classification. Sponsor: Nakheel - Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step)
• Black Jersey, Intermediate Sprint Classification. Sponsor: Experience Abu Dhabi - Edward Planckaert (Alpecin-Deceuninck)

Speaking immediately after the stage, Tim Merlier said: “It was another hectic finish today but I was put into a great position with 500m to go and then went for a long sprint. Thankfully I was able to hold on and I am happy to win in the Green Jersey.”

Red Jersey holder Remco Evenepoel said: “The morale in the team is very high after achieving our third stage win of the race. There is a very high standard of sprinters here so it’s special for Tim as well to claim his second victory, and it was great to see him celebrate in the Green Jersey. I managed to stay out of trouble during the whole stage and even pull a bit before the sprint and I am focused on tomorrow now. It is an important one for me and I would very much like to defend this Red Jersey and win this race.”