The penultimate stage of the multi-day stage race in the Middle East was once again one for the sprinters. Three riders attacked early in the race, but the maximum four-minute gap remained out of reach. This was partly due to Team Jumbo-Visma setting the pace in the peloton.

The yellow and black brigade put Kooij well in front in the final, then it was up to the young Dutchman to choose position. He chose Sam Bennett's wheel, but from this position, he came too late for the sprint. "Olav rode a good sprint, but he was a bit too far away", sports director Maarten Wynants said.

After finishing fourth, second and ninth, Kooij had to settle for fourth today. Performances that Kooij can take confidence from, said Wynants. "He participated in every sprint. There were 20 sprinters at the start, and some of them didn’t even get involved in the sprints at all. That demonstrates how challenging it is to perform well here."

The UAE Tour's concluding stage is scheduled for tomorrow. The stage to Jebel Hafeet is important for the GC riders, said Wynants. "Sepp and Tom are feeling good. If they have a good day, it should result in a good classification", said the Belgian, anticipating a challenging final climb. "UAE will attack early since they need to catch up on Remco Evenepoel by a minute. To follow for as long as possible is crucial to us."