Tadej Pogacar captured global attention on Friday by spending most of stage 5 of the 2025 UAE Tour aggressively on the attack and in the breakaway, even while maintaining the overall race lead. On stage 6 this Saturday, the leader of UAE Team Emirates – XRG was noticeably more subdued.
Tim Merlier secured his second consecutive stage victory, finishing ahead of Jasper Philipsen and Jonathan Milan. Pogacar remained safely in the pack throughout the day, but he wasn’t particularly thrilled about the conservative approach.
“Today I remained composed and didn’t attempt to escape,” Pogacar stated. “Honestly, I found it boring, just like likely many in the group did at some point today.”
He acknowledged the nature of the stage, noting that not every day in a stage race is about attacking. “That’s also a component of cycling,” he said. “I attempted to gaze about and appreciate the city, but you must remain attentive to prevent an accident.”
The flat terrain of stage 6 provided an opportunity for the sprinters, and Merlier took full advantage with a well-timed sprint. Philipsen and Milan followed closely behind, but the Belgian’s powerful finish secured him another win.
For much of the stage, the peloton maintained a steady, controlled pace, with teams working together to ensure a bunch sprint at the finish. There were minor attacks early in the race, but none gained any significant ground. The lack of action was apparent, leading to the overall sense of monotony that Pogacar mentioned.
While Pogacar and other GC contenders stayed within the safety of the main group, teams like Alpecin-Deceuninck and Lidl-Trek were actively positioning their sprinters for the final burst to the line. In the last kilometer, Merlier’s team executed their lead-out perfectly, allowing him to launch his sprint at the right moment and claim the stage win.
Pogacar’s approach in stage 6 was one of patience and control. With his focus on securing the overall title, he saw little reason to push unnecessarily. His decision to hold back was strategic, ensuring that he remained fresh for the final day.
Despite the uneventful nature of the stage, Pogacar remains in a commanding position. His calculated approach highlights his maturity as a rider, understanding when to attack and when to conserve energy. With one stage left, he remains firmly in control of the race, confident in his chances of closing out the UAE Tour on a high note.
