Not a moment seemed like a surprise in the making, as the lead was kept small by riders of the sprinter teams. However, the difference in the final phase did not shrink quickly.
At the front the five – Canaveral lost in the final phase – started to believe in a successful outcome and the pace increased. On behalf of Gazprom, Vacek proved to be the forward man and he went on with the finish in sight. Lapeira came up short and crossed the line in second.
The peloton finally followed in just fifteen seconds. Jasper Philipsen, already winner of two stages in the Emirates, won the sprint of the large group ahead of Dylan Groenewegen. Tadej Pogacar’s leader’s jersey was not in danger.
The final standings will be drawn up on Saturday with a final mountain stage.
