Jan Christen (UAE) worked his way on the final climb, into the elite group at the head of the race making a solo attack inside 10km to go. With his incredible late attack, the youn Swiss climber stormed to stage 5 victory, claimed the overall win. He crossed the line some 32 seconds ahead of his rivals in GC.
Beginning the day with a 33-second deficit, Christen’s lone attack and bonus seconds earned him the leader’s jersey on the final podium to Harrat Uwayrid.
“I did not want to go too early because I knew the last 10km were quite hard, especially with the headwind. I kept my legs in the climb, I did a bit of a show attack in the top because I knew if some guys come past me, they would maybe blow up. I just kept my pace over the top and then I knew if I did a bit attack on the flat part, I should have more power than the other climbers. It means so much, it is my first-ever stage race overall win and I have really enjoyed the last five days.”
-Jan Christen.
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