Slovenian cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) secured his third UAE Tour title after winning the final stage summit finish of the week-long race at Jebel Hafeet in a 7.6km solo move.

The reigning world road race champion had entered the final stage with a 21-second lead in the general classification, having taken the overall lead in stage 3 with the final climb on Jebel Jais, after placing third in time trial on day 2.

He coped well in the strong crosswinds in the first half of the 176-kilometre stage, joined the leading group of 30 riders, and finished if off confidently on the final climb to Jebel Haafet (10.8 km/6.7%) to chalk up his 90th and 91st career wins.

He finished the stage 33 seconds ahead of Italian Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) and 35 seconds on Spaniard Pello Bilbao (Bahrain-Victorious). Overall, Pogačar put 1:14 minutes into Ciccone and 1:19 minutes into Bilbao.

In a statement after, Pogačar said he was happy with "a really good day". Asked about his going solo, he said this was when he was left without two non-climbers.

"I didn't want to be surprised or counter-attacked or anything, so it was better to go at my own pace to the top."

Pogačar had already won the tour of the United Arab Emirates, his team's home race, in 2021 and 2022.

After the season opener, his next race will be in two weeks to defend his victory in the Strade Bianche, a one-day race in Italy's Tuscany.

"We'll see how it goes for the rest of the season. I don't have any multi-day races on my programme until the Dauphiné criterium. I will turn my thoughts to the one-day classics and try to make the most of it, enjoy it and hope for good legs," said Pogačar.