UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider Isaac Del Toro won the opening stage of the UAE Tour in Al Dhafra, leading the general classification after a wind-shortened day.
On the steep ramp of Liwa Palace, the Mexican got the better of Dutchman Cees Bol (Decathlon CMA CGM Team) after a sprint fought all the way to the final metre, with Italian Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious), another key rider for the general classification, rounding out the podium
Jonathan Milan, winner on this same finish in 2025, was not part of the fight for the win, having been involved in a crash a few kilometres from the finish.
Due to strong winds, the race was shortened from 144 km to 118 km.
On Tuesday, the 12.2 km individual time trial on Abu Dhabi's Al Hudayriyat Island will represent the first true test for the general classification contenders.
Introducing our @binhamoodahauto Stage 1 Jersey winners!@Isaac_DelToro of @TeamEmiratesUAE out sprinted the sprinters to claim the win and the General Time Classification Red Jersey, sponsored by @adportsgroup 🔴 pic.twitter.com/9WsyiGL8Fd
— UAE Tour presented by AD Ports Group (@uae_tour) February 16, 2026
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