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29 March 2024

German Kittel wins Dubai Tour 2nd stage

Marcel Kittel shows his joy on the finish line. (SUPPLIED)

Published
By Agencies

German cyclist Marcel Kittel, from team Giant-Shimano, secured his first victory this season after winning on Thursday the second stage of the Dubai Tour 2014.

The 122-kilometre (76-mile) race started from the Dubai World Trade Centre, with 127 cyclists from 16 teams spanning around desert highways before concluding at the tip of the man-made Palm Jumeirah.

American Taylor Phinney who won the inaugural stage on Wednesday retained the overall lead.

Many roads were closed for the tour and several schools closed in fear of traffic problems.

The four-stage race is, held for the first time in UAE is 416.9-kilometre (259-mile) long.

Slovakian Peter Sagan came second followed by race leader Taylor Phinney

"Crossing the finish line first is a very nice feeling, of course, and for me as a sprinter it's important to get the win, but I like to celebrate it as a team win in the end. because everyone works for one goal, and in the end I'm the lucky guy who gets to finish it off," said Kittel.

Phinney who lost the sprint vowed to bounce back in the mountain stage.

"Tomorrow's the biggest day. We're in the desert, and we'll see how the wind is when we're out there. It's going to be nervous. Sidewinds make this one of the most unpredictable sports in the world, so it's all about staying safe. The team believes in me, I believe in the team, and once we get into those little climbs, i"m confident in my ability to stay with the best guys. So well take it K by K tomorrow. Hopefully all goes well, but tomorrow's the big test, I'm sure," he said.