Tim Merlier wins Stage 4 of UAE Tour

Tim Merlier sprinted to his second victory of the week in Stage 4 of the UAE Tour on Thursday.

The Soudal Quick-Step rider was able to come round a fast-finishing Olav Kooij (Visma-Lease a Bike) in the final few metres to clinch the Dubai Stage.

Arvid de Kleijn (Tudor Pro Cycling) took second, as he did on Stage 1, while Kooij held on for third.

A crash in the final 3 km saw a handful of cyclists go down, but most of the sprinters and their lead-outs made it safely to the finish.

The fourth stage featured 168 km of riding on a mostly flat route with riders setting off from Dubai Police Officers Club and finishing at Dubai Harbour.

Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) retains the Red Jersey.