Team Visma | Lease a Bike sets sights on Jebel Hafeet after smooth fifth stage of UAE Tour
# Team Visma | Lease a Bike Gears Up for Key Stage After Thrilling Fifth Leg of UAE Tour
In an exhilarating fifth stage of the UAE Tour, Team Visma | Lease a Bike maintained strong positioning as they prepare for the grueling ascent to Jebel Hafeet. With a determined focus on preserving their standings, the team faced a day where fast performers had one last opportunity to shine before the challenging final stages.
Three courageous riders broke away initially, but the peloton kept a watchful eye, ensuring the leaders stayed within reach. With just three kilometers remaining, the sprinters took control, setting the stage for an intense final dash. Once again, Jonathan Milan emerged victorious, marking his spot at the front.
The team crossed the finish line without incident, a relief echoed by sports director Maarten Wynants: “These are always tricky days, but fortunately everyone got through it well.” He also noted the remarkable pace throughout the race, calling it “the second fastest stage in the history of the UAE Tour.”
As the team braces for the decisive stage, Wynants emphasized their primary objective: “Our priority is to keep Jørgen in the top ten of the GC. In addition, it would be great if Ben could take a step in the right direction and Wilco could possibly move up to the top ten. We will do our utmost to achieve a good result.”
The upcoming stage to Jebel Hafeet is critical in determining the final general classification, and Team Visma | Lease a Bike is ready to tackle the challenges ahead with confidence and strategy. As Wynants pointed out, the team managed to navigate some last-minute challenges posed by the wind: “Towards the end, it got a bit exciting with the wind. Our men tried to time it by moving up to the front and they did a good job.”
As they look forward to the next challenge, the team’s optimism remains high, backed by their consistent performance and focus on outcome-driven goals in upcoming challenges.
### Current Rankings after Stage 4
**Stage Result:**
1. Jonathan Milan (Lidl – Trek) – 04:03:06
2. Ethan Vernon (NSN Cycling Team)
3. Matteo Milan (Groupama – FDJ United)
**Team Visma | Lease a Bike Standings:**
– 45. Pietro Mattio
– 48. Ben Tulett
– 64. Wilco Kelderman
– 68. Tijmen Graat
– 82. Jørgen Nordhagen
– 90. Steven Kruijswijk
– 118. Owain Doull
**General Classification:**
1. Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain – Victorious)
2. Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates – XRG)
3. Harold Tejada (XDS Astana Team)
9. Jørgen Nordhagen (Team Visma | Lease a Bike)
14. Wilco Kelderman
17. Tijmen Graat
37. Ben Tulett
49. Steven Kruijswijk
97. Owain Doull
106. Pietro Mattio
Team Visma | Lease a Bike looks ahead with anticipation, ready to embrace the challenges and showcase their resilience on the road leading to Jebel Hafeet.
