Soudal Quick-Step rider Tim Merlier won the first stage of the UAE Tour ahead of Arvid De Kleijn (Tudor) and Jakub Mareczko (Corractec) The Belgian took the leader's jersey at the same time, while behind him a fall sent several riders to the mat, 200 m from the line. The second stage, Tuesday February 20, will create a gap between the favorites for the general with an individual time trial of 12.1 km.