Saudi Tour: Maxim Van Gils secures overall victory

Maxim Van Gils (Lotto Soudal) secured overall victory at the 2022 Saudi Tour, after finishing safely in the peloton on the final stage 5 to AlUla Old Town.

Dylan Groenewegen won stage 5 after the racing finished with a sprint finish. 

The BikeExchange-Jayco sprinter beat Britain’s Dan McLay (Arkea-Samsic) and Davide Ballerini (QuickStep-AlphaVinyl) in the dash to the line. Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal) suffered a late puncture and was unable to contest the sprint. 

Van Gils finished 36 seconds ahead of Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain Victorious) and 48 seconds ahead of Rui Costa (UAE Team Emirates). 

Van Gils and Lotto Soudal were careful to stay in the peloton and let the sprinters chase the attacks during the flat 139km stage around AlUla Old Town.

“Yesterday I won my first professional bike race and today I already take home the leader’s jersey. This really gives me a special feeling," Van Gils said, after his overall success.   

“The past week really was a wonderful experience. That is why I want to thank the entire team for their support and helping me achieve this victory, without them this would not have been possible. 

"The final stage definitely wasn’t an easy one, we had to exert force on the pedals the whole day long. Again Thomas De Gendt did an incredible job in keeping the early breakaway in check. Now it is time for some rest before I prepare the next races. We’ll see what they bring, but at Lotto Soudal we are of course always aiming for the victory.”