The third stage took the peloton from Fujairah to Jebel Jais, a 19-kilometre climb with an average gradient of 5.6 percent. Although a battle between the climbers was expected, the climb offered little in the way of spectacle. The GC riders kept quiet and watched as the attacking Rubio quickly built up a one-minute lead. This proved enough, as the Movistar rider had 15 seconds to spare.

Gloag and Kuss, who maintained themselves relatively easily in the elite group, finished in the top ten. "The guys did very well. We knew they were in shape, but it is always a matter of waiting to see if it comes out in the race”, sports director Maarten Wynants said.

The Belgian was impressed with Gloag's performance. He crossed the line in seventh place. "He had already proved in Valencia that he had an excellent final shot, so today, he could take his chances. He was a little disappointed that his sprint didn't go how he wanted, but the fact that he was in it is promising.”

"So is Sepp's ninth place", continued Wynants. "The Jebel Jais is not a climb made for him, so this will give him confidence for Sunday's stage."

The Jumbo-Visma sports director referred to the final stage, which he believes will be more challenging than today's stage. Instead, the next three days will be for the sprinters, and Team Jumbo-Visma will try to keep Olav Kooij in the race.