Fujairah, United Arab Emirates – Jonathan Milan of Bahrain Victorious secured a thrilling sprint victory on stage four of the UAE Tour today, February 19, 2026, finishing the 182km course from Fujairah to Fujairah ahead of Ethan Vernon and Matteo Milan. The win comes as the race continues to unfold, with Antonio Tiberi of Bahrain Victorious retaining the coveted Red Jersey as overall leader. The UAE Tour, the only UCI World Tour race in the Middle East, is drawing significant attention from cycling fans worldwide, with comprehensive coverage available through the official app and live streaming on YouTube. The official UAE Tour website provides detailed stage information, rankings, and exclusive content.
The stage saw an early breakaway attempt by a group of five riders – Lorenzo Milesi (Italy), Georg Steinhauser (Germany), Stefan De Bod (South Africa), Patrick Gamper (Austria), and James Knox (Great Britain) – who established a lead that they largely maintained for much of the race. Yet, the peloton steadily reeled them in, beginning around the 140km mark, closing a two-minute gap. The relentless pursuit ultimately brought the race back together, setting the stage for a dramatic sprint finish. The intensity of the chase highlighted the strategic importance of conserving energy for the final kilometers.
Race Dynamics and Abandonments
The day wasn’t without its setbacks. Finlay Pickering was forced to abandon the race following a crash, while Robbe Ghys of Belgium also withdrew after a fall within the peloton at the 28km mark. Ghys’s crash also unfortunately impacted Fabio Jakobsen, who was also forced to abandon the race. These incidents underscore the inherent risks and physical demands of professional cycling. The UAE Tour organizers prioritize rider safety, and medical teams were quickly on the scene to provide assistance to the affected cyclists. RTBF.be reported on the challenging conditions and the impact of these crashes on the race.
As the race approached its climax, Jonathan Milan expertly positioned himself within the peloton, patiently waiting for the opportune moment to launch his sprint. Stefan De Bod initiated the final push, but Milan responded decisively, overtaking him to claim the stage victory. His tactical awareness and powerful sprint proved to be the winning combination. The victory solidifies Milan’s reputation as a formidable sprinter and a key contender in the overall standings.
General Classification Standings
Despite Milan’s stage win, the general classification remains largely unchanged. Antonio Tiberi continues to lead the race with a total time of 11 hours, 12 minutes, and 9 seconds. Isaac Del Toro of UAE Team Emirates holds the points jersey with 36 points, while Tiberi also maintains his lead in the young rider classification. Silvan Dillier of Alpecin-Premier Tech leads the intermediate sprint competition with 24 points. The battle for the overall lead is expected to intensify as the race progresses, with several challenging stages still to come. The official UAE Tour website provides up-to-date standings and detailed race information.
Remco Evenepoel’s Position
Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel, a pre-race favorite, currently sits in eleventh place 1 minute and 44 seconds behind Tiberi. He experienced a challenging stage on Wednesday, impacting his position in the general classification. With three stages remaining, Evenepoel faces a significant challenge to close the gap and contend for the overall victory. Lennert Van Eetvelt and Ilan Van Wilder are also within striking distance, holding fourth and sixth place respectively, at 1 minute 7 and 1 minute 21 seconds behind Tiberi. The coming stages will be crucial for these riders as they attempt to climb the leaderboard.
Looking Ahead: Stage Five and Beyond
Tomorrow, February 20, 2026, the UAE Tour will move on to Stage Five, a 166km sprint stage from Dubai Al Mamzar Park to Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University. This stage is also expected to favor sprinters, potentially offering another opportunity for Jonathan Milan and other fast finishers to showcase their skills. The subsequent stages include a challenging climb to Jebel Hafeet on February 21 and a final sprint stage in Abu Dhabi on February 22. The varied terrain will test the riders’ versatility and endurance, making for a captivating conclusion to the race.
The UAE Tour continues to be a significant event on the UCI World Tour calendar, attracting top cycling talent from around the globe. The race not only showcases the beauty and modernity of the United Arab Emirates but also provides a platform for athletes to compete at the highest level. The event’s growing popularity is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to sports and its ability to host world-class competitions. The official app and live streaming options ensure that fans worldwide can follow every moment of the action.
Jonathan Milan s’impose au sprint sur la 4e étape du Tour des Émirats arabes unis ! 🚀
Antonio Tiberi conserve son maillot rouge de leader. 🔴
➡️ https://t.co/wJq9q9q9q9 pic.twitter.com/q9q9q9q9q9— RTBF Sport (@RTBFsport) February 19, 2026
The UAE Tour is more than just a cycling race; it’s a celebration of athleticism, strategy, and the spirit of competition. As the race progresses, fans can expect more thrilling moments, unexpected twists, and a fierce battle for the overall title. The coming days promise to deliver a captivating spectacle for cycling enthusiasts around the world. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the UAE Tour unfolds.
The next major checkpoint in the UAE Tour is Stage Five tomorrow, February 20th, with the sprint finish expected to provide another exciting contest. We will continue to provide comprehensive coverage and analysis as the race progresses. Share your thoughts on the race so far in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow cycling fans!
