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Strong start for Lotto Cycling Team in UAE Tour: Van Eetvelt and Taminiaux sprint to top ten finish

It was a great first day in the Emirates, as two riders from the Lotto Cycling Team finished in the top ten of the first stage of the UAE Tour. Lennert Van Eetvelt sprinted to an impressive 4th place, while Lionel Taminiaux secured 8th.
17 February 2025
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The 138-kilometer flat stage between Madinat Zayed Shams Solar Park and Liwa Palace was expected to end in a sprint. However, the tricky finish brought together a mix of riders in the top ten: "Sprinters, as predicted, but also punchers and climbers," said Lionel Taminiaux, who, along with Lennert Van Eetvelt, was a strong part of that top ten. Van Eetvelt finished fourth, Taminiaux eighth. "It wasn’t an easy finish," Taminiaux added. "The team gave me an opportunity, and Lennert as well, precisely because the finish could go in different directions. That makes it even better to conclude the first stage like this. For me, this finish was just a bit too tough, but I’m happy with the result."

Lennert Van Eetvelt also reflected positively on the race. "I’m happy to be racing again," said last year’s winner after his first race of the season.

Tomorrow (Tuesday), an individual time trial awaits: a flat 12.2-kilometer challenge on Al Hudayriyat Island.

 

Picture: PhotoNews