Italy continues its perfect run at the 2026 UAE Tour, as Jonathan Milan confirms his status as the fastest man in the race. After yesterday’s victory in Fujairah, the Lidl-Trek sprinter delivered another commanding performance in Dubai, claiming his second consecutive stage win.
This time, Erlend Blikra—celebrating his first career WorldTour podium—and Matteo Malucelli, once again among the top three on this finish as he was in 2025, were left to contest the remaining podium places behind the Italian. Earlier in the day, the breakaway once more tested the peloton, with Gianni Moscon, Nickolas Zukowsky and Black Jersey wearer Silvan Dillier holding on until just after the final three kilometres. The general classification remains unchanged, with Antonio Tiberi still in control ahead of the race’s second and final summit finish at Jebel Hafeet, where the overall standings are set to be decided.
Speaking in the press conference, the stage winner Jonathan Milan said: “My confidence comes from my teammates. I see how much they believe in me, so I have no choice but deliver a nice result like today’s. We work hard for bring this home and it means a lot to us. I feel pretty good about my lead out. It’s always difficult to stay together, but goal remains to bring me in a good spot. They know their job, we’re looking forward to doing it at the Giro d’Italia as well”.
The Red Jersey Antonio Tiberi said: “Today it was quite easy for me, I managed to stay covered and fresh with the help of my teammates, I even started thinking about tomorrow. I’ve had the last climb [Jebel Hafeet] in my mind several times. I know it [from three years ago] but I probably should study it a bit more. I’ll be ready to defend my lead. My team is ready”.
Stage 5 Brief Results:
- Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek), 168km in 3h33’18”, average speed 47.257 km/h
- Erlend Blikra (Uno-X Mobility) s.t.
- Matteo Malucelli (XDS Astana Team) s.t.
General Classification After Stage 5:
- Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious)
- Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates XRG) at 21″
- Harold Tejada (XDS Astana Team) at 1’00”
- Lennert Van Eetvelt (Lotto Intermarché) at 1’07”
- Luke Plapp (Team Jayco AlUla) at 1’19”
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