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Dani Ostanek

'We'll see how things develop' - The UAE Tour stage win record holder will miss the 2026 edition following winter knee injury

QIDFA, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 20: (L-R) Jonathan Milan of Italy and Team Lidl-Trek, Fernando Gaviria Rendon of Colombia and Team Movistar Team, Tim Merlier of Belgium and Team Soudal Quick-Step cross the finish line during the 7th UAE Tour 2025, Stage 4 a 181km stage from Fujairah Qidfa Beach to Umm al Quwain / #UCIWWT / on February 20, 2025 in Fujairah Qidfa Beach, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Dario Belingheri/Getty Images).

The UAE Tour, which runs February 16-22, usually stands as a major meeting point for the top sprinters of the peloton, though this year's race will have to do without one of the fastest men in the world.

The race, which could see three or four sprint opportunities on largely pan-flat routes through the Emirates, will not be welcoming Soudal-QuickStep star Tim Merlier this year.

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