Merlier wins Stage 1 of the UAE Tour and also takes the Red Jersey

Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) won Stage 1, the Presight.ai Stage of the 2023 UAE Tour, by the tightest of margins ahead of Caleb Ewan (Lotto Dstny), with Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan Team) in third place.

Merlier is now the leader of the General and Points Classifications and has been awarded the race's Red and Green Jerseys. Luke Plapp (Ineos Grenadiers) meanwhile, has moved top of the Young Rider and Intermediate Sprint Classifications and taken control of the White and Black Jerseys.

PROVISIONAL STAGE RESULT
1 - Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step), 151km in 3h17’35”, average speed 45.854km/h
2 - Caleb Ewan (Lotto Dstny) s.t.
3 - Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan Team) s.t.

OFFICIAL JERSEYS

• Red Jersey, General Classification. Sponsor: International Holding Company
  - Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
• Green Jersey, Points Classification. Sponsor: BeIT - Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
• White Jersey, Young Rider Classification. Sponsor: Nakheel - Luke Plapp (Ineos Grenadiers)
• Black Jersey, Intermediate Sprint Classification. Sponsor: Experience Abu Dhabi - Luke Plapp (Ineos Grenadiers)

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1 - Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
2 - Caleb Ewan (Lotto Dstny) at 4"
3 - Luke Plapp (Ineos Grenadiers) at 5"

Speaking seconds after the finish, the stage winner and new Red Jersey holder Tim Merlier said: "I wasn't sure if I'd won but I knew I did a good sprint. In the end it was very close and it took about 15 minutes to decide if I'd got the win, and now I know, I am really proud to get this victory."