Tadej Pogačar has misplaced an important teammate as he targets total victory on the UAE Tour, with sprinter Sebastian Molano pressured to stop the race after his high-speed crash throughout stage 1.
Illness has additionally hit the Visma-Lease a Bike crew with sprinter Olav Kooij pulling out of the UAE Tour earlier than Tuesday’s time trial, with domestique Julien Vermote leaving the race after only a stage.
Molano crashed within the last ten kilometres of the stage when he was sat on Pogačar’s wheel. Molano solely had one hand on the handlebars on the time as he took a drink, along with his crew saying he hit a cat eye within the street.
Molano landed closely within the central reservation of the large street however managed to stand up and end the stage. However, UAE Team Emirates-XRG mentioned he wouldn’t begin Tuesday’s time trial because of his accidents.
“A follow-up revision revealed a badly sprained ankle and as a result of heavy swelling and discomfort we took the choice it was finest for him to not begin,” Dr. Adrian Rotunno mentioned.
“He will now journey residence for additional relaxation and monitoring.”
Kooij was anticipated to combat for victory within the 4 anticipated dash finishes. He received two levels on the latest Tour of Oman after working nicely with new leadout man Dan McClay.
Kooij was dropped 30km from the end of stage 1 and so didn’t problem Jonathan Milan and completed quarter-hour down on the Italian.
“We knew prematurely that he didn’t really feel match, so the principle factor was to outlive this stage,” directeur sportif Jesper Mørkøv mentioned.
Visma-Lease a Bike introduced Kooij wouldn’t proceed within the UAE Tour earlier than Tuesday’s time trial, with out revealing the precise nature of his sickness.
“Unfortunately, Olav Kooij shall be leaving the UAE Tour. He has not been feeling nicely for a number of days and desires time to get well. Heal nicely, Olav! See you quickly!” the crew mentioned on social media.
Visma-Lease a Bike now have simply 5 riders within the UAE Tour, with Thomas Gloag maybe their finest hope for fulfillment on the mountain finishes.
