Del Toro fights to second spot on the brutal Jebel Mobrah

 

Isaac Del Toro delivered a gutsy and determined performance on stage 3 of the UAE Tour, crossing the line in second place on the demanding summit finish up Jebel Mobrah, keeping himself well-in for the general classification after a measured ride to the line.

 

Italian rider Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious) powered to victory – his early move on the steep ramps of Jebel Mobrah proving decisive as he opened up a gap and rode clear to win and seized the race leader's jersey. Del Toro chased relentlessly to the finish, eventually finishing 15 seconds behind the stage winner thanks to an excellent late surge.

 

The 183 km stage from Umm al-Quwain to Jebel Mobrah was the UAE Tour's first serious mountain test, with the impressive new climb featuring sustained gradients averaging more than 8 % and ramps of up to 18 % under a hot desert sun. The brutal finish split the peloton and caused significant time gaps, with several GC favourites struggling on the final slopes. Del Toro, however, managed his effort expertly, pacing his limits and riding his way into the strongest group before powering home in second.

 

Del Toro's ride also elevates him in the general classification, with the Mexican now well placed in contention as the UAE Tour continues towards its deciding climbs later in the week.

 

Isaac Del Toro: "On the profile you get an idea for how hard the climb is but riding it is another level of hard. I was very careful with my effort and tried to manage it on the climb. I think the team did a perfect effort to control things for me and try to help me, so thanks to them I was able and confident to try something in the final.

 

I really tried to catch Tiberi but he was going really fast and was very strong, so chapeau to him. I'm really happy with my effort and the work of the team. In the TT yesterday I did a decent performance, not my best, but it's okay. I'm optimistic for the rest of the race."