United Arab Emirates -  March 11, 2021:  UAE Team Emirates pace man, Fernando Gaviria got off to a promising start on the first stage of Tirreno-Adriatico after finishing third in Tuscany. 

A well-judged lead-out from teammate Max Richeze put the Colombian in prime position for the mass sprint but was just pipped to the line by Belgian, Wout Van Aert (Jumbo Visma).

 

Tour de France and UAE Tour champion, Tadej Pogacar was also in action in the opening stage which started and finished in Lido Di Camaiore (156km). He was guided through the course and finished safely in the bunch.

The next stage takes the riders from Camaiore to Chiusdino (202k) which

will be a day for the punchers and climbers.

 

Fernando Gaviria said: “The guys did a good job to get me into a good position, but we arrived at the front just maybe a little bit too early and Van Aert got the kick. My form is getting back to where I want it and we’ll take confidence from this first sprint with the aim to get an even better result next time.”

Meanwhile in Paris-Nice, Brandon McNulty climbed his way up to third place in the General Classification and took the leaders jersey for the youth classification on stage 4 from Chalon-sur-Saône to Chiroubles (187.6k).

 

McNulty finished 14th on the stage in the group of favourites at 21’’ behind winner and new race leader, Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma).

 

Stage 5 will take the riders from Vienne to Bollène (200.2k) and be one for the sprinters or the late attackers, with a couple of punchy climbs in the final 35km.

McNulty is now just 37” off GC leader, Primoz Roglic (Jumbo Visma) who sits in first place with four stages to go.

McNulty: “It was a very intense day. My legs were really good. I messed up my placing on the last steep kick and had to go into the red a little bit too early but generally I’m happy where my form is right now. I came in to take aim at the GC and so far it’s all going well.”

 

Tirreno-Adriatico Stage 1 results

 

1.Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) 3:36:17

2.Caleb Ewan (Lotto-Soudal) s.t

3.Fernando Gaviria (UAE Team Emirates) s.t

 

Tirreno-Adriatico General Classification after stage 1

 

1.Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) 3:36:17

2.Caleb Ewan (Lotto-Soudal) +4’’

3.Fernando Gaviria (UAE Team Emirates) +6’’

 

Paris-Nice Stage 4 results

 

1.Primoz Roglic (Jumbo Visma) 4:49:36

2.Maximilian Schachmann (Bora-hansgrohe) +12’’

3.Guillaume Martin (Cofidis) s.t

14. Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) +21’’

 

Paris-Nice General Classification after Stage 4

 

1.Primoz Roglic (Jumbo Visma) 13:26:40

2.Maximilian Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) +35’’

3.Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) +37’’