The 5th stage sets off from Fujairah city and winds its way north before the finish climb kicks in.
The summit of Jebel Jais is the only place in the United Arab Emirates where snow has been reported. Far from frequent though, you can count the occasions on the fingers of one hand. The Jebel Jais reaches an altitude of 1,943 metres. As far as the race is concerned, the climb peaks at 1,491 metres.
It will be the second time a pro-peloton visits Jebel Jais. Primoz Roglic outsprinted Tom Dumoulin in 2019, while the top 10 finished within 5 seconds of one another. The consistent but fairly shallow gradient of the climb made it hard to open up gaps.
With a number of prolonged false flat sections on the run-in to the Jebel Jais ascent, the 5th stage is arguably the hardest stage of the UAE Tour. The last 21.1 kilometres rise 5.4% on a carriageway, while the surrounds are barren and rocky. As if climbing on the moon.
Jebel Jais includes wide hairpins and the gradients hover between 4 to 6% in the first part. The second half is slightly tougher with a steepest ramp of 9% inside the last 2.8 kilometres, which averages 7.1%.
The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while two intermediate sprints – at kilometre 32.5 and 127 – come with 3, 2 and 1 seconds.
Another interesting read: results 5th stage 2021 UAE Tour.
UAE Tour 2021 – stage 5: route, profiles
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