Mark Cavendish

Havana, February 22 (RHC)-- Veteran sprinter Mark Cavendish showed his quality to finish the second stage of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Tour.

The 36-year-old British rider put on a great display in the final stretch of the 176-kilometer segment between Hudayriyat Island and Abu Dhabi Breakwater to finish with a time of 4:20:45 hours, and overtake his direct rival for the lead, Belgian Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin Fenix).

Nevertheless, Philipsen retained the red jersey that accredits him as leader with a four-second advantage over Russian Dimitry Strakhov (Gazprom) and six seconds over Cavendish, of Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team.

The third day of the UAE race will take place today with an individual time trial over a nine-kilometer course starting and finishing in Ajman, the smallest of the country's seven member states.

The UAE Tour of 2022, which will run until next Sunday, is the fourth edition of the event that opens the world circuit of the International Cycling Union (UCI).

Its most recent winner was the Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, considered the best cyclist of today, who this year managed to arrive to defend his crown after leaving behind COVID-19.