Favorites stage 6 UAE Tour | Milan and Merlier stand out, but outsiders can seize opportunity in ultra-flat stage

It will be a long day for the riders because, in 165 kilometers, they will have to climb 'a whopping' 177 meters. It won't get any flatter than this, and considering that most of the race takes place in and around Abu Dhabi, we don't expect to see many echelons. Things may get a little nervous after the first intermediate sprint.

From the Yas Marina F1 circuit, the pack will ride to Al Jubail Island. Because they are so close to the coast, the riders may be exposed to the elements. However, the forecast predicts smooth sailing. Just under 25 kilometers from the finish, there is a second intermediate sprint, after which the pack will arrive at Abu Dhabi Breakwater.

Times
Start: 03:50 AM EST
Finish: 07:30 AM EST

It's a slightly cooler day in Abu Dhabi, where the temperature rises to 24 degrees Celsius. Wind gusts of 13 kilometers per hour reach wind force 3: a warm but certainly not unpleasant day of racing for the gentlemen.

So, another flat stage, and we are looking at the same names as the previous days. Jonathan Milan was the man to beat for the time being, but Tim Merlier took his turn on Friday. The Belgian from Soudal Quick-Step finally managed to beat the Italian from Lidl-Trek and established himself back at the top of the ladder. The two will be top favorites again.

It will not be easy for them because the competition is fierce. Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) came close twice but will want revenge after the failed fifth stage. Sam Welsford (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) is also close to a win. Who knows what the Australian will be able to do in the flattest stage of the week.

Other than that, there are mainly outsiders. Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco AlUla) did not play a role in stage five, and the same goes for Arvid de Kleijn (Tudor Pro Cycling) and Gerben Thijssen (Intermarché-Wanty). A new name we should consider is Matteo Malucelli (XDS-Astana), who came very close to his second place on Friday. Other names? Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain Victorious) and Dan McLay (Visma | Lease a Bike) also perform well but lack the strength to come out on top.

Top favorites: Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) and Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
Outsiders: Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceunick), Dylan Groenewegen (Team Jayco AlUla) and Sam Welsford (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe)
Longshots: Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain), Gerben Thijssen (Intermarche-Wanty), Matteo Malucelli (XDS-Astana), Dan McLay (Visma | Lease a Bike) and Arvid de Kleijn (Tudor Pro Cycling Team)