UAE Tour (2019) Photos; Stage 3: UAE University → Jebel Hafeet, 179 km

"I waited for that straight, just next to the climb's hotel, and I went on full steam to catch Daniel Martin. I caught some air and then I went for the rest. I knew Roglic was so strong, and even if I was confident about my chances, felt well during the climb, even better with the attack - I didn't really know after all if I could make it back to them. If they weren't cooperating so well, then I stood a chance - and that's what happened."

"It's incredible, I'm so proud to be able to take this first victory in the rainbow jersey, even more so in a WorldTour race like the UAE Tour, against big competitors. And it is mainly because of my team, because they worked so hard during the last three days. This victory is also a tribute to my uncle Diego, who passed away a few days ago - I always held him dear and I hope that, wherever he is, this means something big to him. For the time being, we've already got a victory, we've fulfilled a big goal here. The GC? It's difficult. If we end up having a chance, great; if not, it's not such a big deal. Of course we'll fight for it, but we must tackle things one day at a time, starting with tomorrow's uphill finish."

UAE Tour (2019) Photos; Stage 3: UAE University → Jebel Hafeet, 179 km