UAE Tour Shocker: Tiberi Claims Victory as Evenepoel’s GC Bid Crumbles
The 2026 UAE Tour witnessed a dramatic turn of events on Stage 3, as Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious) seized both the stage win and the overall race lead on the challenging slopes of Jebel Mobrah. The day, however, was defined by the unexpected struggles of pre-race favorite Remco Evenepoel, who lost significant time and saw his general classification hopes severely diminished.
Tiberi’s Calculated Ascent
Tiberi’s victory wasn’t a simple breakaway success. He methodically closed down an earlier attack by Felix Gall (Decathlon-CMA CGM) and then launched his own decisive move with 4km remaining on the brutally steep climb. He maintained a strong pace, ultimately finishing 15 seconds ahead of Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), who mounted a late charge.
Lennert Van Eetvelt (Lotto-Intermarché) completed the podium, finishing 29 seconds behind Tiberi. The Italian now leads the general classification with a 21-second advantage over Del Toro.
Evenepoel’s Unexpected Struggles
The stage was initially anticipated as a head-to-head battle between Evenepoel and Del Toro. However, Evenepoel’s performance was a major surprise. He began to struggle with 4km left of the climb, appearing to suffer from cramping and losing contact with the leading group. He ultimately conceded over two minutes, effectively ending his chances in the overall standings.
Del Toro, despite his strong finish, was unable to reel in Tiberi, having been poorly positioned when the steepest section of the climb began. He launched a spirited effort with 2.5km to go, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the gap.
Jebel Mobrah: A Decisive Climb
The modern Jebel Mobrah climb proved to be a decisive factor in the race, with gradients reaching 12% on the final 13.2km ascent. The climb caused significant attrition within the peloton, separating the contenders from those unable to withstand the relentless pace.
Earlier in the stage, Jonas Rickaert and Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Premier Tech) attempted a breakaway, but were caught as soon as the road began to climb.
What In other words for the Race
Tiberi’s victory and Evenepoel’s struggles have dramatically reshaped the UAE Tour. Tiberi now holds a commanding lead, but Del Toro remains a close contender. The remaining stages will likely witness a fierce battle for the remaining podium spots.
Did you know? Antonio Tiberi’s win marks his first victory since 2024.
FAQ
Q: How much time did Remco Evenepoel lose on Stage 3?
A: Remco Evenepoel lost over two minutes on Stage 3.
Q: Who is the current leader of the UAE Tour?
A: Antonio Tiberi is the current leader of the UAE Tour.
Q: What was the key feature of the Stage 3 route?
A: The key feature was the challenging Jebel Mobrah climb, with gradients reaching 12%.
Pro Tip: Steep climbs like Jebel Mobrah require careful pacing and efficient energy management. Riders must balance effort with maintaining a sustainable rhythm.
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