Estonian cyclist Madis Mihkels finished 15th in the opening stage of the UAE Cycling Tour, admitting a tactical error on the final round potentially cost him a better position.
The UAE Cycling Tour, which is now in its eighth iteration, saw Mexican cyclist Isaac del Toro from UAE Team Emirates take the victory in the opening stage, completing the 118 km course in a time of 2:30.56. Estonian champion Madis Mihkels, competing with EF Education – EasyPost, finished in 15th place. The race concluded with a challenging 1.5 km uphill sprint, highlighting the intense competition and strategic demands of professional cycling.
Mihkels reflected on his performance, acknowledging that being in the top ten during the final round would have significantly improved his chances for a better outcome. He stated that he and his teammate were situated around the 40th position going into the final round, which made it difficult to mount any serious challenge towards the front of the pack. Despite his efforts, it became apparent that a top result was out of reach for him this time.
Looking ahead, the UAE Cycling Tour will continue with a 12.2-kilometer time trial scheduled for Tuesday. This segment will provide a fresh opportunity for Mihkels to improve his standing and possibly recover from the first stage's missteps. The upcoming day will be crucial for competitors to demonstrate their endurance and racing strategy as they navigate through the varied terrains of the UAE.
