TIM MERLIER WINS STAGE 1 OF THE UAE TOUR AND WEARS THE FIRST RED JERSEY

Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) has won Stage 1, the Burjeel Holding Stage, of the sixth edition of the UAE Tour, ahead of Arvid De Kleijn (Tudor Pro Cycling) and Jakub Mareckzo (Team Corratec - Vini Fantini).

Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) is also the first Red Jersey of the race as he leads the General Classification.

PROVISIONAL STAGE RESULTS
1 - Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step), 141km in 3h09’55”, average speed 44.545 km/h
2 - Arvid De Kleijn (Tudor Pro Cycling) s.t.
3 - Jakub Mareckzo (Team Corratec - Vini Fantini) s.t.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1 - Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
2 - Arvid De Kleijn (Tudor Pro Cycling) at 4"
3 - Jakub Mareckzo (Team Corratec - Vini Fantini) at 6"

THE OFFICIAL JERSEYS

The leader jerseys of the UAE Tour are provided by ALÉ

1. Red Jersey, leader of the General Classification, sponsored by International Holding Company - Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
2. Green Jersey, leader of the Points Classification - Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
3. White Jersey, Best Young Rider, sponsored by Nakheel - Loe Van Belle (Team Visma | Lease a Bike)
4. Black Jersey, leader of the Intermediate Sprint Classification, sponsored by Bin Hamoodah Auto - Mark Stewart (Team Corratec - Vini Fantini)

Speaking seconds after the stage finish, the stage winner and Red Jersey Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) said: "A win is always nice but to get my first WorldTour win of the season is even nicer. I made the right decision to switch side of the road with 500 meters to go. Gaviria and Molano went from far out in the headwind. I made a bit of a mistake with the choice of the gear but the finish line was enough to make it up. I want to win every flat stage of the UAE Tour but it's not easy because the competition is very high. Almost every top sprinter is here. I'm already happy with one win and it takes the pressure off".