Stefan Bissegger upsets Filippo Ganna in the ITT
Swiss powerhouse wins time trial at 55.5km/h and takes the lead in the UAE Tour. Tomorrow, the first summit finish of the race atop Jebel Jais.
Todays' stage video highlights (digital media only / NO broadcast) and winner's press conference are available below
(Photo Credits: Yasser Abras)
Ajman, 22 February 2022 – A surprising runner up to Filippo Ganna in the individual time trial of the UAE Tour one year ago, Stefan Bissegger today emerged as the winner of Stage 3, the G42 Stage presented by Tissot Stage, of the UAE Tour, organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The Swiss rider recorded an average speed of 55.5km/h on the 9km course in Ajman Al Zorah region. He had a one second lead over the world champion at the half way point and rode strongly on the way back despite the headwind. Third on Stage 3 was Dutch time trial champion Tom Dumoulin, who rode four seconds faster than defending champion Tadej Pogacar. The race's other GC contenders like Alexandr Vlasov and Adam Yates completed the race in eighth and twelfth position respectively. The Briton, who won the UAE Tour two years ago, has limited his deficit to Pogacar to just eleven seconds compared to thirty-four in the time trial last year. Bissegger is the new leader of the fourth edition of the UAE Tour ahead of the race's first uphill finish at Jebel Jais tomorrow.
H.E. Aref Al Awani, General Secretary Abu Dhabi Sports Council, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Majid Al Nuaimi, Director General of Ajman Citizen Affairs Office and Ahmed Ibrahim, International Holding Company Head of Corporate Communication and Media awarded the Red Jersey to Stefan Bissegger
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STAGE RESULT
1 - Stefan Bissegger (EF Education - Easypost), 9km in 9’43”, average speed 55.574km/h
2 - Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) at 7"
3 - Tom Dumoulin (Jumbo-Visma) at 14"
OFFICIAL JERSEYS
- Red Jersey, General Classification. Sponsor: International Holding Company - Stefan Bissegger (EF Education - Easypost)
- Green Jersey, Points Classification. Sponsor: Italian Trade Agency (ICE) - Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Fenix)
- White Jersey, Young Rider Classification. Sponsor: Nakheel: - Stefan Bissegger (EF Education - Easypost) worn by Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates)
- Black Jersey, Intermediate Sprint Classification. Sponsor: Abu Dhabi Aviation - Dmitrii Strakhov (Gazprom-Rusvelo)
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1 - Stefan Bissegger (EF Education - Easypost)
2 - Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) at 7"
3 - Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Fenix) at 12"
PRESS CONFERENCE
The stage winner and new Red Jersey Stefan Bissegger said: “I had really good power today. I had good legs and I felt very strong. I’m very happy that I finished it off today. It’s the personal performance that really counts but it’s always nice to beat the world champion. I was scared that Ganna might beat my time and I’m happy that he didn’t. He’s one of the best in the world, both on the track and in the time trial. I kind of knew when I beat him by seven seconds that I should keep the best time. I’m delighted to start the season like this with a win, especially here in the UAE where I enjoyed racing last year. I’ve gained some power since.”
Data collected by Velon’s devices on the riders’ bikes tells a detailed story of the stage. An infographic about today's stage can be downloaded here.
TOMORROW'S STAGEStage 4 – Burjeel Medical City Stage - Fujairah Fort - Jebel Jais (181km)
This is the first of two most likely decisive mountain stages in the UAE Tour. It is divided into two distinctly different parts: the first being an undulating approach to the final mountain through the desert and the second being the last 20km or so of continuous climbing to the finish. Departure is from Fujairah, crossing the desert areas on the edge of the Hajar Mountains towards Ras-al-Khaimah, whose capital city is not crossed by the race, which heads directly towards Jebel Jais Mountain. The stage’s final climb is around 20km in length at an almost constant 5%, with slightly steeper gradients of around 7% in the last 2km.
Last kms
A final climb which winds along hairpin bends on a very wide roadway. Gradients remain mainly around 4/5% in the climb’s first part and 5/7% in its second with a peak of 9% 2 km from the finish. Tarmac finishing straight.
TV COVERAGE
The UAE Tour International TV Schedule is available here.
(Photo Credits: Valerio Perini)#UAETOUR
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